Student Peer Mentoring in Doctoral and First-Year Programs

• In Event: 56.081 - Roundtable Session 24
  In Roundtable Session: 56.081-12 - Sources of Support for Students Across the Educational Pipeline

Abstract

This study describes a peer mentoring approach that was incorporated into two courses: undergraduate freshmen seminar and research course for doctorate students. Students were divided into dyads or triads in which all had to function both as mentors and mentees throughout an academic semester. All students found a community of support in meeting the challenges facing them in accomplishing various tasks as well as in meeting the social and emotional challenges. Students found most rewarding the opportunity to give help and contribute to their fellow classmates. The study suggests that effective mentors not necessarily need to be more experienced or knowledgeable than their mentees rather they need the opportunity to help others, especially those who are in similar predicaments.

Author

• Aram Ayalon, Central Connecticut State University