Why serve as a peer instructor or mentor?
Welcome to your new leadership position as a peer mentor. You might be serving as an undergraduate teaching assistant, also referred to as an undergraduate teaching instructor. In this role, you might be grading exams, leading discussions and study sessions, and/or supporting student development. Whatever your specific tasks, you will have an impact on a peer’s learning here at IU.
The upcoming modules are designed to give you the skills to be successful in your new role. You will see the latest research about how learning influences how we teach. You will learn about barriers to learning and what you can do to help create a productive learning environment for your peers.
We hope you enjoy this educational experience that will not only benefit your peers, but you as well. Here is what the research says about the benefits of peer mentoring.
| Benefits of peer mentoring for the mentees | Benefits of peer mentoring for the mentors |
| Students are more likely to ask you questions since it is easier to relate to peers. | You will receive leadership and critical thinking skills, two sought-after job market skills that will help you with future job prospects. |
| Students have you as examples of people who were successful in their classrooms! | Serving as an example of good student behavior will further cement your academic skills. |
| Students will receive clarifications on course content from someone who just learned it. | You will develop a deeper understanding of the course content. |
| Students will benefit from your experience of living and learning in Bloomington, Indiana. | Giving advice on living and learning helps you feel more connected to the area and to campus. |
In general, serving as a mentor means that you will gain and improve a variety of valuable skills, including:
- leadership
- interpersonal communication
- teaching and mentoring, and
- problem-solving skills
Reflection Exercise
How will you introduce yourself to your peers?
- Share the usual: Name, Major, Hometown, Goals after graduation?
- “ice breakers”: Favorite TV show and/or movie, Favorite food? Best time of the year?
- How about sharing why you decided to serve as a teaching assistant?
Resources and references
Ender, S. C., & Newton, F. B. (2000). Students Helping Students: A Guide for Peer Educators on College Campuses. The Jossey-Bass Higher and Adult Education Series. Jossey Bass Publishers, 350 Sansome St., San Francisco, CA 94104.