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 about Type of mentoring offered: social / pastoral: transitional: generic skills: discipline specific: professional development. Institutional management of mentoring programme: Institution- wide: School or Faculty-specific Pedagogic focus: Discipline-specific: Generic study skills: PDP Operational details: Mode: Voluntary/paid: Accreditation: Training Benefits: For Peer Mentees & Mentors.

Methodological Challenges Some websites referenced peer mentoring but gave no detail Some of the projects appeared dated - not clear if active Aspirational programmes listed. Discipline-based v centrally-organised Mentoring in schools – no reference to age Dual purpose programmes Scale and complexity of activity

Terminology: Whats in a name? Peer mentoring Student mentoring Student academic mentoring Academic mentoring Peer assisted learning Peer assisted study support Study buddy Peer Support Proctoring Writing mentor Peer tutoring Buddying circles Global chums Student tutoring E-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 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 life Assist a smooth transition Sign-posting Part of a Support Network Allaying fears/concerns Share experiences of being a student Help students feel a sense of belonging to their peer group Student engagement Student 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 transition Friendship and networking Reassurance Confidence Signposting Development (personal, social, academic) Study skills Success/Achievement Better prepared for Assessment Subject knowledge and understanding Aspirations Encouragement Self-esteem Access to information and advice

Benefits for Mentors Personal, skills and professional learning and development Certificate and Accreditation Preparation for employment and professional practice CV enhancement Enhanced student experience and success Increased sense of belonging Increased confidence, motivation and self-esteem Access to university networks and broader circle of friends Better departmental contact and networks Increased cultural knowledge Satisfaction of helping others/sense of fulfilment

Summary: The Content Analysis Peer Mentoring in UK HE Diversity of provision Different pedagogical foci Range of terminologies and definitions Evidence of some distinguishing features Range of benefits for mentees and mentors Reciprocity Need 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 MentoringForm of Mentoring Activity Pre-entry – university or school basedGenerally offered via social network sites or 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 Academic University-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