Subject-based Student Mentoring at VU
EVALUATION

Since the pilot program in 2003, the program has resulted in high satisfaction levels for both Student Mentors and Student Participants. Examples of feedback are below from Accounting for Decision Making, 2004: (Staff: John Breen & Lily Wong)

"My experience as a mentor was very uplifting and inspirational."

"Us being a student helped the students to be more relaxed with us and
they listened to us as we were on the same level as them."

"We found from our experience with the mentoring program that through
constantly reinforcing key concepts we greatly improved the student's
ability to understand and not to be too apprehensive towards topics
and material they would have previously found extremely difficult."

"My role as a student mentor for Accounting for Decision Making has been
a most beneficial experience...we learned a lot about ourselves and
issues about being a mentor...we gained many attributes as a result of
the experiences. These included public speaking to being more dedicated
with our own studies. I can thank the mentoring program for all the
speeches I have done in class this semester and at 21st Birthday
parties. It gave me a lot of confidence to talk in front of a group and
how to get certain messages across to all different types of people. It
also allowed me to meet other students enrolled in the course."

Student Mentor Feedback:

• They felt it extended their understanding of the subject
• They felt more confident to speak in front of groups
• They enjoyed getting to know staff more

Student Participant Feedback:

• It improved their understanding of the subject
• It encouraged them to take more responsibility for their learning
• It helped them manage their time more effectively
• It taught them the advantages of working in a group
• It improved their ability to work as members of a team
• It increased their motivation to continue studying

Staff Feedback:

• They enjoyed the interaction with the student mentors
• They found the program gave them timely feedback on on student learning within the subject
• They felt it could and should be made available to a greater number of students in the future.