Peer assisted learning: the mentor's experience

Sue Warnock and Bryan Scant (Bournemouth University) led a discussion of the role of mentoring in peer assisted learning.

Sue and Bryan’s slides are embedded below.

Following a brief introduction to peer assisted learning (PAL) and the role of the PAL leader mentor participants had the opportunity to talk to Bryan Scant, a mentor accompanying Sue at the conference. Bryan is a final year student and was previously a PAL leader.

The mentor guides, supports and advises current PAL leaders, and often also helps them with any difficulties. S/he is also the interface between the PAL tutor and the PAL leaders and a conduit for communication, enabling continuity and structure. There are both benefits and drawbacks to being a mentor in the final year of study – an excellent addition to the CV, organisational skills, communication skills, time management etc, but also something which adds to the pressures of work in the final year.

This innovative new venture for the law school has now been extended to a second year and is also being considered by other departments at Bournemouth.

Karen Counsell (University of Glamorgan) reports:

First and second year students at Bournemouth are supported by PAL leaders, fellow students with experience of the first two years of the degree. Students are able to benefit from a timetabled slot each week, where their PAL leader supports them with their learning – these sessions are not about teaching but support.
 
PAL leaders receive training and support, including their own PAL leader mentor. They meet up with academic staff to receive information regarding assignments, deadlines etc, which they then took forward with the students.
 
The leaders receive payment, but Bryan made it clear that this was not a strong motivation for taking part, emphasising the benefits they felt they gained in terms of their own personal development, skills which would be valued by future employers.
 
The student experience of PAL was surveyed, with 252 responses indicating a high level of satisfaction. Attendance had been an issue, as some students were dismissive of what value another student could bring, however the survey demonstrated that the majority of students were appreciative of the benefits.

About Sue

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Sue Warnock is a senior lecturer at Bournemouth and was LLB Course leader until July 2009.

Last Modified: 9 July 2010