last week, we had our group presentation on different topics which were:
- What are the strengths and weaknesses of peer mentoring
- Discussing a key theory and /or key text relevant for peer mentoring
- Planning and leading sessions l: Strategies for mentors
- Planning and leading sessions ll: Practical exercises for mentees
- Online peer mentoring. How could successful online support look like?
- How can peer mentoring enable mentors to make the most of University and their career? Development of transferable skills.
Out of all these topics, the one that relates most with mentoring is “What are the strengths and weaknesses of peer mentoring”? This is because, forming a relationship is not always smooth.
strengths-and-weaknesses-of-peer-mentoring
It is known that peer mentoring has long be identified as one of the different ways students can help others to improve their academic performance, so colleges and universities have being relying greatly on it in recent years. According to Materniak (1984), it supplements traditional classroom learning. As individuals have different priorities in life, it can sometimes interfere with academic work and the building of relationship.
Colvin (2007b) stated that using peer mentors will never be seen as something without resistance from both sides involved so the clarification of roles is very important. That statement was backed up by Reids (2008) who mentioned that the expectations and boundaries are essential when building a successful relationship between mentees and mentors. The benefits or strengths of peer mentoring are endless for both sides but the weaknesses should never be over looked.
References:
Colvin, J.W. (2007B). Peer tutoring and the social dynamics of a classroom. Saarbrucken, Ger: VDM Verlag Publishing Company.
Materniak, G.(1984). Students as paraprofessionals in the learning skill center. In S. C. Ender & J.R.B. Winston (Eds), Students as paraprofessional staff (23-36). San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.
Reid, E.S. (2008). mentoring PEER MENTORS: Mentor education and support in the composition program. Composition Studies, 36(2), 51-79.
I shall keep you posted. Bye for now !!
sib0313 