PLF

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Fall2015 PLF Sections

Do you have a PLF in your class this semester?
 

We are serving the following classes and sections:

Biochemistry
CRN	Class	Instructor	Days & Times	Room
12688	BIOC 445	Rosenberg	MWF 0900-0950	CTLB-300

Biology
CRN	Class	Instructor	Days & Times	Room
10346	Bio 202L-003	Howe	TR 930 – 1045	CAST 100
10347	Bio 202L-004	Howe	TR 1230 – 1345	CAST 100
10349	Bio 202L-006	Howe	TR 1230 – 1345	CAST 100
26200	Bio 202L-008	Howe	TR 1230 – 1345	CAST 100
10353	Bio 202L-010	Howe	TR 930 – 1045	CAST 100
28773	Bio 202L-012	Howe	TR 1230 – 1345	CAST 100
30685	Bio 202L-014	Howe	TR 1230 – 1345	CAST 100

Chemistry
CRN	Class	Instructor	Days & Times	Room
48466	Chem 121-002	Knottenbelt	MWF 1200-1250	CTLB-300
44390	Chem 122-001	Habel-Rodriguez	MWF 0900-0950	SMLC-102
26148	Chem 122-002	Habel-Rodriguez	TR 1700-1815	CTLB-300

Earth and Planetary Sciences
CRN	Class	Instructor	Days & Times	Room
18474	EPS 101-001	Pun	TR 1230-1345	CTLB-300
41553	EPS 101-004	Pun	TR 0930-1045	CTLB-330

Math
CRN	Class	Instructor	Days & Times	Room
54067	Math 153 051	Andrew	MWF 1400-1450 R 1400-1515	TBA
54068	Math 153 052	Andrew	TR 1230-1345 MW 1300-1350	TBA
54425	Math 153 055	Andrew	MW 1100-1150 TR 1100-1215	TBA
54424	Math 153	Martinez	MW 1400 – 1450	TBA
18385	Math 162	Martinez	MWF 1200 – 1250	DSH-324
18386	Math 162	Martinez	MWF 1200 – 1250	DSH-324

 

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PLFs work together on a training exercise, Spring 2012

Check out the PLF Training Handbook, 

with information on their work on collaborative learning activities!

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Program Description

Among the most important pedagogical changes that aid learning is faculty movement away from extensive lecturing to greater utilization of active, collaborative, assignments and discussion during class time. Many instructors are interested to replace lectures with time for students to collaboratively problem-solve, develop projects, or respond to short assignments with classmates, but are concerned by the prospects of low success in large classes.

One key to successful implementation of collaborative learning in large classes is the availability of “experts” who learners can consult when needing clarification and who provide assistance with collaboration, an alternative prompt, or a confidence check on progressing work. STEM Gateway supports a program of Peer Learning Facilitators (PLFs), a classroom learning-assistance effort by undergraduates working with instructors to facilitate active, collaborative learning during class time.

The PLF program builds from UNM’s pilot experience supported by the Walmart Minority Student Initiative and examples set by other institutions. During the initial PLF pilot at UNM, overall grade performance improved in most class sections where instructors transitioned to PLF-assisted collaborative-learning instruction. In addition, 85% of students enrolled in these course sections responded in polls that they prefer to learn in classes where collaborative learning replaces some or all of instructor lecture and 90% stated that it was important to have PLFs as classroom resources. 

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Who are the PLFs?

 

The PLFs are undergraduate students who carry with them a variety of academic and personal backgrounds.  They come from rural New Mexico, from the neighborhoods of Albuquerque, across the country, and other parts of the world.  They range from freshmen to seniors and, though most of them major in STEM areas, there are PLFs from the arts, humanities, life sciences, and pre-med, pre-pharmacy, nursing. 

PLFs work 10-12 hours per week with tasks varying in consultation with instructors, including in-class work with student, and preparatory time under guidance from instructors. PLFs may review student in-class work and summarize problem points and misconceptions upon which instructors can then focus.  PLFs receive intensive pre-semester training and complete 1-2 hours of training each week during the semester.

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Want to be a PLF?

 Apply NOW through UNMJobs:

* Posting # 0830847

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Why have PLFs in your STEM classroom?

 

Having a PLF team in your STEM classroom is a great way to support collaborative learning techniques within your curriculum.  PLFs help to build a community in the classroom, supporting your students as peers who have met the same obstacles they now face.  As qualified learners who have excelled in gateway STEM classes themselves, PLFs are also keen supporters of your classroom goals. 

PLFs not only enrich the learning experience for students but also provide important résumé-enhancing, professional development opportunities for PLFs themselves. Recruiting PLF hires from under-represented groups adds the benefit of PLFs serving as role models to the students they assist.


 Finally, the mentoring relationship between instructors and their PLF teams often goes far beyond just a single semester.  You can request to work with the same PLFs with whom you have a good rapport and who you feel know your classroom well.  Most PLFs plan to attend graduate school and so appreciate the opportunity to work in an environment with individuals who model academic professionalization and success. 

If you are interested in having a PLF team in your gateway STEM classroom for the Summer 2015 or Fall 2015 semester, please contact Natalie Robinson Bruner, Project Director, at nbruner@unm.edu or 277-0125.

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Past PLF Sections

 

Since January 2012, the PLF Program has served a number of course section within several STEM departments, including:

• Earth and Planetary Sciences 101, 201
• Math 120, 121, 150, 180
• Physics 167
• Chemistry 121, 122

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