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| Image Source: sdcity.edu |
In a peer mentoring relationship, a student guides and supports a younger student through a shared area of interest. Peer mentors often help with schoolwork, provide advice on social issues such as peer pressure and bullying, and generally serve as role models to their mentees.
Mentees gain many benefits from a peer mentoring relationship, such as improved communication skills, increased confidence, and solid, grounded advice and encouragement. But what's in it for mentors?
The following are four reasons students should consider becoming peer mentors:
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Develop friendships
Students who participate in peer mentoring relationships widen their circle of friends and have more opportunities to create contacts for networking purposes.
Influence other people's lives in a positive way
Mentoring is a great opportunity to help others. Peer mentors benefit from the personal satisfaction and sense of fulfilment they get from seeing their peer mentees achieve their goals with their guidance and support.
Enhance leadership skills
Peer mentors act as their mentees' leaders and provide information and advice on a variety of issues, from academic to social. Peer mentors typically encounter situations that call for organizing, action planning, problem solving, and motivational skills.
Become well-rounded individuals
Research suggests that peer mentors have improved self-esteem and become more compassionate and empathetic to others. Peer mentors also develop or enhance conflict resolution skills, and improve their communication skills.
A good peer mentoring relationship provides both mentors and mentees with a solid support system and numerous opportunities for personal growth and development.
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| Image Source: csus.edu |
Hugh Guill is an educator from Texas. For more articles on education and mentoring, subscribe to this blog.
