Peer-Led Team Learning

The Peer-led Team Learning (PLTL) program is a collaborative project between The Teaching Center, Cornerstone: Center for Advanced Learning, and participating academic departments and schools. At Washington University, this program was piloted fall 2001 in the Department of Chemistry for the General Chemistry courses.

The goals of the PLTL model are to:

• Teach undergraduates how to effectively use group study
• Improve students’ problem-solving skills
• Provide facilitated help for students
• Provide an active-learning environment for students

The PLTL model supplements the lecture by introducing formalized study groups that enforce active learning on the part of the students in the course. The PLTL model is an addition to the course structure; it is not a replacement to the lecture.

Washington University’s PLTL model is based on the national PLTL Workshop Project. In our model, participation in the WU PLTL program is optional. However, if a student joins the program, attendance in the PLTL groups is mandatory.

Current Departments involved at WU

For more information, please contact Gina Frey.