Mapping Peer Mentoring Across the UK Higher Education Sector

Robin Clark & Jane Andrews

Analysis undertaken by Mandy Ingleby

Methodology

Included: Mentoring in schools -

sixth formers only Graduate mentoring

involving alumni

Excluded: Mentoring in schools pre-16 Graduate mentoring

involving business mentors PG mentoring

UK – 152 HEIs Peer = post-16 and undergraduate Search terms: peer mentoring, mentoring,

peer assisted learning, peer tutoring, peer guides, buddy scheme

Data Collection Template

Institutional terminology: Peer mentoring: Guiding: Study-Buddy etc. Institutional definition: What peer mentoring is aboutType of mentoring offered: social / pastoral: transitional: generic skills: discipline specific: professional development.Institutional management of mentoring programme: Institution-wide: School or Faculty-specificPedagogic focus: Discipline-specific: Generic study skills: PDP Operational details: Mode: Voluntary/paid: Accreditation: TrainingBenefits: For Peer Mentees & Mentors.

Methodological Challenges

Some websites referenced peer mentoring but gave no detail Some of the projects appeared ‘dated’ - not clear if activeAspirational programmes listed. Discipline-based v centrally-organised Mentoring in schools – no reference to ageDual purpose programmes Scale and complexity of activity

Terminology: What’s in a name?

Peer mentoringStudent mentoringStudent academic mentoring Academic mentoring Peer assisted learningPeer assisted study supportStudy buddy

Peer Support ProctoringWriting mentorPeer tutoringBuddying circles Global chums Student tutoringE-mentoring

Classification of Peer Mentoring Type: Mentoring programmes captured within the analysis

PEER MENTORING – reference to settling in, networking, signposting to support services. Includes working with applicants as well as entrants.

PEER TUTORING –relates to subject knowledge support, study skills, approaches to learning, and familiarisation with learning and teaching practice in the institution

MENTORING IN SCHOOLS – any mentoring programme working with sixth formers; includes face-to-face and e-mentoring

MENTORING FOR PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT (supporting career development, including placement support)

MENTORING DIFFICULT TO CLASSIFY – typically due to insufficient information.

Scale of activity across the UK HE Sector

Peer Mentoring

Peer Tutoring

Mentoring inSchoolsGraduate Mentoring

49%

17%

27%7%

340 peer mentoring programmes across 159 universities

86% of UK universities have some form of ‘peer mentoring’

Features of Peer Mentoring given on University websites

Settling in (quickly)Adapt to university lifeAssist a smooth transitionSign-postingPart of a Support NetworkAllaying fears/concernsShare experiences of being a studentHelp students feel a sense of belonging to their peer groupStudent engagementStudent retention

Where is peer mentoring targeted?

Level of targeting – 30%International students Disabled students WP students BME students Mature students Year Zero/Foundation Year Females in technology Care leavers Foundation-Degree Vocational qualifications Residential care leavers

Percentage of HEIs with Peer Mentoring: Pre and Post-1992 HEIs

Benefits for Mentees

Settling in/ease of transitionFriendship and networkingReassuranceConfidence Signposting Development (personal, social, academic)Study skillsSuccess/Achievement

Better prepared for AssessmentSubject knowledge and understandingAspirationsEncouragementSelf-esteemAccess to information and advice

Benefits for Mentors

Personal, skills and professional learning and developmentCertificate and AccreditationPreparation for employment and professional practice CV enhancementEnhanced student experience and successIncreased sense of belongingIncreased confidence, motivation and self-esteemAccess to university networks and broader circle of friendsBetter departmental contact and networksIncreased cultural knowledgeSatisfaction of helping others/sense of fulfilment

Summary: The Content AnalysisPeer Mentoring in UK HE

Diversity of provisionDifferent pedagogical fociRange of terminologies and definitionsEvidence of some distinguishing featuresRange of benefits for mentees and mentorsReciprocityNeed for clarity of definition and typology for peer mentoring provision in UK HE sector

What type of peer mentoring is suitable for your institution?

Using the Peer Mentoring Typology discuss what sort of peer mentoring is best suited to your institution…

-This may be a programme you are already offering

-It could be aspiration – what you would like to do if resources were not an issue

-Identify and feedback what issues, or potential issues, you face in introducing this.

Typology of Peer Mentoring?

Type of Peer Mentoring Form of Mentoring Activity

Pre-entry – university or school based Generally offered via social network sites or e-mail: Opt-in / Opt-out

One-to-one Peer Mentoring at transition – centrally organised

Pastoral – social – academic Informal peer counselling.: Opt-in

One-to-group Peer Mentoring at transition – university-wide

A ‘friendly face’ upon arrival making transition positive for students: Opt out

Transition + Social Pastoral AcademicUniversity-wide: Opt-out

One-to-one longer term Peer Mentoring - cross-university or school focused

Pastoral – not discipline based – careful matched pairs – possibly some targeting - opt-in

One-to-group longer term Peer Mentoring - school focused

Pastoral – usually discipline based – issues around group dynamics – opt-in

‘Partnership-led’ Peer Mentoring - school focused

Inter or cross-year basis – usually discipline specific – opt-in