Introduction

Peer Mentoring involves linking more experienced students with less experienced students in order to provide guidance and support based upon sharing what they have learnt from their experiences at university. The information here is aimed at anyone in MMU who is interested in developing a student peer mentoring scheme for their students

What is mentoring?

• Mentoring is a developmental partnership through which one person shares knowledge, skills, information and perspective to support the learning and personal growth of someone else.
• Mentoring can take many forms and can be designed to suit your students' needs. and preferences. We are suggesting forms of student to student, or peer-mentoring. Some of our pilot schemes have concentrated on first year under-graduates being mentored by second years, often through a drop-in system rather than formal matching. However, we also have examples of co-mentoring- where students from the same year or tutor group support each other.

Peer mentoring?

• Peer Mentoring involves linking more experienced students with less experienced students in order to provide guidance and support.
• Peer mentors act on behalf of the University in this role in order to foster an inclusive and supportive learning environment.
• The role of the mentor is distinct from other University support services and is based upon sharing what you have learnt from your experiences as a student.

The Value of Peer Mentoring

• Peer-mentoring relationships have a number of potential benefits for several stakeholders: university/departments, staff, students mentors and those mentored.
• Enhance retention and prevent early departure
• Promote well-being through better awareness of and access to student services
• Promote a sense of community and belonging
• Enhance learning and confidence
• Develop a range of inter-personal skills to enhance employability

What Peer Mentors can offer

• Help new students to settle into life at MMU and their course
• Provide support for students who might feel isolated or lack confidence
• Provide support in getting to grips with things like Moodle or the electronic submission of coursework or the electronic resources available at the library
• Offer appropriate advice and guidance about how to manage the transition from school or college to university.(eg how to manage time, plan and prioritise work, set goals and action plan)

Specific peer mentoring activity

• Provide support and assurance to first year students through encouragement and sharing of student experiences that will help them adjust to the pace and style of autonomous learning
• Provide tips and perspectives for “surviving first year” from a student perspective. 
• Provide individual and confidential support to students on a drop in basis, mainly through signposting to expert support services.
• Provide a structure for students to discuss questions and other matters arising from their own social, personal and academic orientation

 

Setting up a peer mentoring scheme in your faculty or department »