From students to leaders: evaluating the impact on academic performance, satisfaction and student empowerment of a pilot PAL programme among first year students and second year leaders

Authors

  • Stacey Scriver National University of Ireland
  • Amber Walsh Olesen National University of Ireland Galway Students' Union
  • Eoghan Clifford National University of Ireland Galway

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47408/jldhe.v0i0.359

Keywords:

PAL programme, academic performance, student empowerment, satisfaction.

Abstract

This paper evaluates the pilot year of the CÃâ°IM PAL initiative at the National University of Ireland Galway through analysis of examination results, student surveys and the reflections of two students who participated as first year students in the pilot year and subsequently as student leaders in year two. The paper considers the impact of attendance at sessions on academic performance, student satisfaction with the programme, and evaluates the extent to which the initiative has assisted students to become more empowered learners as expressed through the development of self-directed learning, growth in educational self-efficacy, and confidence in navigating the learning environment. Recommendations are also made for developing the CÃâ°IM initiative, which may be relevant to other PAL programmes and for determining the direction of future research.

Author Biographies

Stacey Scriver, National University of Ireland

Stacey Scriver, PhD, is a post-doctoral researcher in the School of Political Science and Sociology, National University of Ireland Galway and an independent social and educational researcher. She has previously published in the Journal of Power, Organization, Psychoanalysis, Culture and Society among others. She is the lead researcher in the evaluation of CEIM at the National University of Ireland Galway.

Amber Walsh Olesen, National University of Ireland Galway Students' Union

Amber Walsh Olesen coordinates the CEIM Peer Assisted Learning initiative and is based at the National University of Ireland Galway Students' Union. She has a background in programme management and marketing with specific experience in supporting start-ups and process design. Her current key interests include student-led innovation and supporting successful transitions in higher education.

Eoghan Clifford, National University of Ireland Galway

Eoghan Clifford, PhD, is a lecturer at the College of Engineering & Informatics at the National University of Ireland. He is academic director of the first year Engineering programme at the National University of Ireland and with Amber Walsh Olesen coordinates CEIM. He teaches both undergraduate and postgraduate modules. His main areas of research include environmental and transport engineering.

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Published

06-12-2015

How to Cite

Scriver, S., Walsh Olesen, A. and Clifford, E. (2015) “From students to leaders: evaluating the impact on academic performance, satisfaction and student empowerment of a pilot PAL programme among first year students and second year leaders”, Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education. doi: 10.47408/jldhe.v0i0.359.

Issue

Special Edition: Academic Peer Learning

Section

Papers

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