The Teaching Center - Peer-Led Team Learning

Benefits of Being a Peer Leader

What do WU administrators and current Peer Leaders say are the benefits of being a Peer Leader? To find out, click here.

Selection Process

The criteria for selecting new Peer Leaders vary slightly depending on the department. In general, however, applicants must be students who have actively participated in a PLTL study group and who have received an A in the course for which they would like to be a Peer Leader. The application process at Washington University is based on the process developed by the national PLTL organization.

Each applicant must

• Complete an application form,
• Submit a recommendation letter from someone other than the Peer Leader of the applicant's own PLTL group or the instructors of the course for which the applicant wishes to be a Peer Leader, and
• Participate in a group interview with current Peer Leaders and one instructor.

Requirements and Training

Once students are selected as Peer Leaders, each must sign an acceptance letter agreeing to do the following:

• Register for two Peer-Leader Training courses

   1. Seminar in Academic Mentoring (SAM), for new Leaders
   2. Practical Applications of Academic Mentoring (PAM), for new and veteran Leaders

• Hold weekly 2-hour meetings with a PLTL study group.
• Maintain familiarity with the course material (possibly by attending lectures or watching the streaming videos).
• Participate in evaluative surveys and discussions.

Peer Leaders are appointed each spring for the upcoming fall semester, with the expectation that each Leader will continue to hold the appointment during the following spring semester, contingent upon his or her performance as a Peer Leader and as a student in the SAM and PAM courses.

Each Peer Leader is compensated for holding the weekly 2-hour PLTL group sessions. Peer-Leader compensation is funded by Cornerstone.