Sparking Collaboration and Deeper Engagement with Peer-Led Team Learning (PLTL)

Many instructors, particularly of large classes, grapple with how to promote collaborative, hands-on learning. The UMass Amherst Chemistry Department has developed a novel approach to this dilemma – Peer-Led Team Learning (PLTL) – that promotes collaborative learning, self-efficacy, belonging, and deeper understanding of course concepts by establishing and supporting small group sessions outside of class in which students work together on course problems. In this special sharing session open to all faculty who are interested in collaborative learning, Lara Al-Hariri and Sravan Surampudi (Senior Lecturers, Chemistry) share their approach, templates, evaluation data, and lessons learned.