Peer Assisted Learning (PAL) Study Groups in Physiotherapy Education

The project investigates OsloMet’s voluntary first-semester PAL scheme in physiotherapy, emphasizing safe learning environments, bridging theory and practice, PAL leaders’ development, and further development of the scheme.

Peer assisted learning (PAL) is a student-active learning approach in which more advanced students lead study groups, often for first-year students.

This project investigates the voluntary PAL scheme in the physiotherapy program at OsloMet (implemented in autumn 2021) from both first-year students’ and PAL leaders’ perspectives.

Two qualitative articles have been published:

• on students’ and PAL leaders’ experiences of PAL study groups
• on PAL leaders’ perceptions of their own academic learning, personal development, and relevance for future practice

Using qualitative and quantitative data from 2022–2025, we will further examine PAL study groups and first-year students’ motivation and professional identity, as well as factors motivating students to assume PAL leader roles.

The knowledge generated will strengthen understanding of PAL study groups in physiotherapy education and be used to further develop the PAL program at OsloMet.