Connecting Peer Mentor Training to your Discipline 10 th Annual Learning Communities Institute Roger Bentley, Andrea Klocke, Paul Castleberry
Introduction Who we are (LCTT) Description of our Subcommittee History and Motivation for this topic Future of the Peer Mentor Training and Leadership for the COE
Who we are College of Engineering Learning Communities ABE, CBE, Undeclared, Con E, CpE, E E, IMSE, Mat E, M E A Coordinator is the head of the departmental Learning Community
Who we are---organizational Chart
Description of Subcommittee Peer Mentor Training and Leadership Development 2006-07 Team 2007-08 Team Rhonda Wiley-Jones, Leader Roger Bentley, Co-Leader Patience Lueth Katherine Lyons Roger Bentley, Leader Andrea Klocke Brenda Kutz Johna Wolfe Paul Castleberry
Motivation for this topic University Peer Mentor training and Engineering student challenges Share best practices among coordinators Build a rapport between peer mentors and coordinators Refresh coordinators skill sets Anecdotal and focus group results Creation of an innovative college initiative
University Peer Mentor training and Engineering student challenges
University Peer Mentor training and Engineering student challenges
Peer Mentor Training - Aug 2007 AGENDA
Peer Mentor Training - Aug 2007 FORMAT Involved as many LC coordinators as possible Wide variety of topics and tools were presented Agenda was derived from skill sets of experts Length 3 hours 20 minutes of introduction 10 minutes per module Two 10 minute breaks
Peer Mentor Training - Aug 2007 ASSESSMENT
Peer Mentor Training - Aug 2007 ASSESSMENT RESULTS
Peer Mentor Training Aug 2007 The theory behind the training Concept of Active Learning Defined as getting students involved in doing things and thinking about what they are doing. (Bonwell & Eison, 1991:1) Training modules focused on techniques to facilitate active learning
Peer Mentor Training Aug 2007 Example of Training Module Technique Problem Solving Speaker Paul Castleberry Key points Small group activity within a large lecture class Simulation exercise using MountainSim Scenario (problem) given to students Tools provided to allow students to explore solutions Results shown Students were encouraged to use a problem solving strategy during this activity
Video of Problem Solving Module
Peer Mentor Training Aug 2007 Example #2 of Training Module Technique: Sentence Stem Completion Speaker Doug Beck Key purpose: to generate thinking, build or strengthen relationships, and encourage dialogue Possible uses: Introductions ( icebreakers ) Reflections after an activity (i.e. tour, speaker) Energizers (something to pick up spirits) Anything you want students to think about and share
Video of Sentence Stem Completion Module
Connecting these ideas to your discipline Break into small groups and complete the following sentence stems: A teaching module that I could use in my own learning community would be This would be an effective module for my learning community because
Planning your own Peer Mentor training CHECKLIST Focus group with previous mentors (if possible) prior to planning Invite others to collaborate (e.g. other LC coordinators whose program is similar in College, format, or size) Develop format and agenda for training session
Planning your own Peer Mentor training CHECKLIST Determine needs for location Room size Seating arrangement Technology needs Book room through Room Scheduling Invite your peer mentors (and other LC coordinators and mentors, if applicable)
Planning your own Peer Mentor training CHECKLIST Finalize agenda and invite speakers (e.g. LC coordinators, Registrar, Social Networking Expert) Compile training materials (packet or CD) Determine food needs & place the order for food
Planning your own Peer Mentor training CHECKLIST Arrange for technology Send e-mail reminder to participants
Peer Mentor Training College of Engineering Planning for 2008 Training Session Peer Mentor Subcommittee is in active discussion planning for Aug 2008 training Proposed changes for 2008: Change time format Length shortened to 2 hours (from 3 hours) Fewer modules, with increased time for each (15 min) Two breakout sessions and time to bring ideas back to group Peer Mentor focus group during 08-09 academic year to evaluate efficacy/implementation of training by peer mentors
Future Goals Leverage w/our other partners 1.Outcomes/Assessment 2.New PR/Marketing group 3.University Peer Mentor Subcomm 4.Engineering Distance Education 5.Engineering Leadership Program
Future Goals, cont. Build scalable training e-resources Assess w/isu PM subcomm to refine engineering skill competencies Review effective structures for delivery
Getting Started for you! This idea is scalable 1.Participate/review ISU PM training. 2.Assess PM/students about skills needed. 3.Consult w/veterans at ISU at each level 4.Make sure ideas tie with outcomes. 5.Come/join ISU PM subcomm. 6.Partner w/someone on training
Getting Started for you, cont. Final key points: 1.You and mentor must engage w/passion 2.Show examples of masters 3.Show/admit how you learn Questions taken after video and thank you for attending today.
Heading to the Future