Peer Assisted Learning (PAL) Programme

In 2012 a peer assisted learning programme was set up for student dietitians at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital, which is part of the Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen University Hospitals NHS Trust. This is an in-house training programme which was first run in September 2012 and is student self-directed learning with support from supervising dietitians.Topping and Ehly (1998) defined peer assisted learning as ‘the acquisition of knowledge and skills through active helping and supporting among status equals or matched companions’. This means adopting a collaborative approach in pairs ofstudents, with one student taking on the role of tutor and the other the role of tutee.