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Copy of Peer Mentoring: Peer Mentoring for Students

Student Peer Mentoring

Our peer mentoring involves students working with other students in order to support their learning.

Peer mentoring can work in a number of different ways, but usually involves:

- A student who wants to help another student with less experience than they have (the mentor)

- A student who wants help or advice from another student with more experience (the mentee)

These students are then matched together and come to an arrangement on how to best work together. Sometimes this is done individually, and sometimes in groups. In some peer mentoring schemes it is up to the mentee to make contact with their preferred mentor. The mentor will usually be trained before meeting with a mentee. A mentor doesn't necessarily need to be academically brilliant, but must be willing to share the benefits of their experience of university life in an empathic, inclusive and respectful way. 

At DMU lots of courses have their own peer mentoring schemes in place, and some faculties have initiatives that are open to all students in that faculty. Some of these schemes don't use the term 'peer mentoring' - an example would be a 'buddy' scheme.

The Benefits of Mentoring

Mentors

  • Provides an opportunity to share your experiences and your 'student journey' 
  • Allows you to engage in more depth with your course and create a greater sense of community between year levels    
  • Helps you develop a variety of skills and capabilities - communication, time management, critical thinking, leadership    
  • Peer mentoring is a recognised volunteering activity and can be included on your Higher Education Achievement Record (HEAR) 
  • The experience of mentoring can greatly enrich your own learning and help develop your confidence
  • Gives a sense of fulfilment and personal growth              

Mentees

  • Helps you settle into university life
  • Helps develop your own personal approaches to study and learning
  • Enables you to become empowered to make decisions, identify goals and establish a sense of direction
  • Helps you 'step up' to more challenging aspects of your course such as placements or extended projects
  • Increases your social and academic confidence
  • Gives you the foundation and capabilities for becoming a mentor in the future

How do I get involved?  

 

Many courses and programmes of study have their own bespoke peer mentoring or buddying schemes. You may be introduced to the scheme early in your course (or even before you join DMU). If not, ask other students on your course, your personal tutor or lecturers to find out what opportunities are available to either be a mentor or work with one as a mentee.

If you find there isn't a scheme for your course, you may wish to create one yourself! DMU is very encouraging of student-led initiatives.
You can talk to other students and your personal tutor to explore the feasibility of setting up a peer mentoring initiative for your course. Alternatively, you could start a study club or society. Find out how at the De Montfort Student Union website.

The CLaSS team can help with starting a peer mentoring scheme.

Contact Jason Eyre jeyre@dmu.ac.uk for further information.