Peer learning sessions
Three/four student leaders from higher years facilitate hour-long sessions every week for a small group of 1st year students.
CÉIM sessions are informal and friendly, yet purposeful, with the emphasis on everyone in the group working together.
Sessions centre around maximising students’ understanding of a particular subject in a relaxed atmosphere, and also integrate study tools, successful exam techniques and creative problem solving.
The 1st year students determine the content to be discussed, as opposed to the student leaders.
Sessions are intended to be a safe place where is it OK to admit to not understanding something, and to make mistakes. CÉIM is not a remedial support – it is aimed at all 1st year students.
CÉIM sessions are timetabled. YourSpace is used as a means for CÉIM leaders to contact 1st year students and to view CÉIM group details such as next session date/time and Cairde group information. Sessions generally start in week 2 or 3 in Semester 1, and in week 2 in Semester 2, and run for 45 minutes.
CÉIM sessions usually follow this structure:
1. Opening (icebreaker or quick chit chat) – 5 minutes
2. Agenda setting (deciding what to do during the session) – 5-10 minutes
3. Activity/discussion (bulk of the session) – 20-30 minutes
4. Close (quick recap and planning for next week) – 5 minutes
Small Group Peer-Led Learning for 1st Year Students
How CÉIM Works
