Peer Support: Enhancing the Student Experience University of Edinburgh

Where we started September 2012: Joint Project between EUSA and the University of Edinburgh Peer Support available in a few Schools Pockets of good practice There was one extremely successful PALS model working in the Law School Overall lacked consistency A number of completely student run Projects Students felt they lacked community, a sense of belonging and did not feel they received enough feedback.

What were our aims Foster a sense of belonging Provide an opportunity for ‘real-time’ feedback Engage students as active and autonomous learners Allow a social space for incoming students Encourage integration between diverse student communities Facilitate the forming of an intellectual community of learners

What we did Research and Analysis: Examine existing models of Peer Support Identified key features of success and areas of development. Consultation and Reporting: Worked with students and staff in every School across the University Created a Peer Support Working Group Successful Benchmarking Event Published Phase One Peer Support Report Resource and Implementation: Published a ‘Peer Support Toolkit; Pilot Projects established: Physics, Maths, Veterinary Medicine, Geology, Nursing, Economics and Accommodation Services (Fast Track).

Where we are now Through continued motivation, support, supervision and training by the University and EUSA in partnership with the Schools and Central Services there are now over 40 Peer Support Projects running across the University. Every School now has, or is planning to have a Peer Support Project in place for at least one year group by Sept 2013, with many going above and beyond this minimum standard. We have 7 main models: PALS, House System, Befriending, Academic Mentoring, Autonomous Learning Groups, Helpdesk, Academic Families

Examples of Practice House System: The primary objective of the House System is to implement an improved and more consistent quality of academic and pastoral support for students As part of the House System: Academic guidance is provided to assist the students in improving their academic skills and performance. Pastoral advice and guidance is also provided to help them with any difficulties that are affecting their studies. In addition to this, it is hoped that the House System will help the School deal with issues such as isolation.

Examples of Practice Autonomous Learning Groups: The main aims of ALG’s are to encourage both autonomous and cooperative learning. It places the responsibility firmly on students’ shoulders. The feedback from the students has been extremely positive rating ALG’s as 9/10 Being trialled with Pre-Honors level as well. ‘My only experience is ALG’s, but I absolutely love them! We get a lot done in a fun, pressure-free atmosphere’. ALG Participant

Examples of Practice Peer-Assisted Learning: Peer Assisted Learning (PAL) is a system of student-to-student support It is based on the American Supplemental Instruction model PAL Student Leaders support first year students through the transition to Higher Education whilst developing their learning and study strategies PALS can often be described as ‘a safe place to ask stupid questions.’ It is important to note Student Leaders facilitate sessions and do not teach

Examples of Practice BioPALS: BioPALS is a scheme set up BY students FOR students of the Schools of Biological and Biomedical Sciences Run by a student Committee of Organisers, Senior Leaders, Junior Leaders and supports participant students Sessions follow the flow of the timetable ‘The BioPALs facilitators themselves seem to have developed their confidence and skills greatly through this experience and, judging by the quality of resources that they provide, have given themselves something quite substantial to make their CVs stand out from the crowd’. Academic Key Contact.

Examples of Practice International Buddies: Aims: create a community of new and current students to help new international students transition to their life at University. The Edinburgh Buddies are students who have previously studied abroad and they are matched with International Buddies. ‘I love my Edinburgh Buddy. She has been an excellent person to go to for advice. She has also been really great about inviting me to different events so I got to meet people when I first started here. I'm really glad I did the Buddy Project if for no other reason than I got to make a good friend because of it.’ International Buddy.

Examples of Practice Peer Supporters: The fundamental concept behind the Peer Supporters Programme is the awareness that many students, particularly those on competitive professional courses, may feel intimidated by the notion of revealing any personal issues, big or small, to faculty members or other support staff within the University. Peer Supporters provide a safe, confidential space to share these concerns. These sessions are supported by comprehensive supervision an debriefs. “I was in a position last year where a Peer Supporter would have been helpful, so my experience last year has fuelled my desire to be there for others: no one should be alone.” Student Peer Leader

Evaluation Evaluation of Peer Support will pass through the Quality Assurance Committee We will use 3 different methodologies: Academic: The impact on Student performance Pastoral: Assessing if students feel an increased sense of community, belonging and confidence in their learning. Course Level: Analysing the results where students were offered ALG’s oppose those who were not.

What Next? Funding has been extended to July 2015 with 3 new posts Future stages project: Postgraduate students, online and distance learners Possible institution-wide Befriending/ Mentoring Scheme. Develop further student consultation and collaboration tools/methodologies Extend training to ensure an Institution that is Peer Support literate. Working towards the overall aim of Peer Support being available to every student at Edinburgh Invest further in recognition and reward Work with Institute for Academic Development to examine issues around monitoring and evaluation of peer support systems, ensuring quality from the outset.

Details: Katie Scott Peer Support Project Coordinator Edinburgh University Students Association Peer Support Toolkit: