Interdisciplinary Mentorship and Learning: How Overlap and Experience Matter

• In Event: Developing and Implementing High Impact Practices: Student and Instructor Perspectives

Abstract

During the Spring of 2016 a group of students composed of first year and upperclassmen mentor Honors students participated in an interdisciplinary research project. Approaching this course as an opportunity for honor undergraduates to be mentored by upperclassmen, the students conducted research linking three fields together in order to understand multiple theoretical orientations, community aspects, and solve critical problems. The mentors were further challenge in leading the freshman honors students in this real life, hands-on research and tasked with problem solving, organization, and engaging in thoughtful discussion of the overlapping disciplines. This presentation will explore the honors students’ perceptions of learning in this non-traditional setting, including being led by peer mentors, engaging in diverse disciplines, and data collection. Furthermore, the mentors will engage in discussion of their role in this interdisciplinary course, showing how the process of mentor-ship helped foster the retention, experiences, and comprehension of academic and professional growth.

Authors

• Anthony Noll, University of West Florida

• Rachel Jamison, University of West Florida

• Mackenzie Kidd, University of West Florida