This document provides an overview of the role of a Peer Learning Partner (PLP) in working with international students. The PLP's roles include assessing students, facilitating learning, being a role model, providing planning and material support, and offering interpersonal support. Specifically, PLPs are meant to provide psychological and emotional support, help students set goals and advance their knowledge in their major, role model research methods, and foster inquisitive communication. PLPs should also encourage students to learn how to learn, develop a caring attitude, cultivate confidence while being culturally sensitive, integrate different perspectives, apply knowledge critically, and achieve foundational knowledge. The document lists resources on cultural differences and learning how to learn.
2. Presentation Outcomes Provide a broad overview of your role as a Peer Learning Partner from multiple perspectives (academic, personal, etc.) Setting the tone for building strong partnerships in the coming term
44. Application Encourage students to critically think about the material they are learning by analyzing and critiquing the issues Developing practical thinking processes from covered materials, developing abilities to solve and manage real life situations creates a meaningful and practical understanding of the topics being studied Guide them to progress through the three stages of thinking Critical (Analyze and evaluate), Creative (imagine and create new ideas, designs or product) and Practical (ability to use and apply knowledge to solve a problem or make a decision).
45. Foundational Knowledge Achieve the basic level of knowledge and remember the topics they have learned Make sure that the students comprehend the main concepts of the topic they are learning Develop practical uses of this knowledge and integrate different disciplines of knowledge in order to be used in daily situations to solve real life problems.
48. Bibliography Brookfield, S. D. (2005). The skillful teacher. San Francisco, California: Jossey-Bass. Crisp, G., & Cruz, I. (2009). Mentoring college students: a critical review of the literature between 1990 and 2007. Research in Higher Education, 50(6), Retrieved from http://www.springerlink.com/content/235846n23h3jv228/ doi: 10.1007/s11162-009-9130-2 Fink, L. D. (2003). Creating significant learning experiences. San Francisco, California: Jossey-Bass. Stearns, P. (2009). Education global citizens in colleges and universities: Challenges and opportunities. New York, NY: Routlege.
49. Video Bibliography Tlizzle3. (Producer). (2009). Diversity commercial. [Web]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9djNDIYRHp0 76ers. (Producer). (2007). Cultural differences. [Web]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0j7Xixe11U4&feature=related Terranenvoy. (Producer). (2010). George Mason University International Week 2010: Global Roots. [Web]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nRdpyav6TIw
Mason is a very welcoming environment in many ways; but that doesn’t mean that international students don’t have added challenges (including language barrier!) in acclimating to the nuances of American education. Never assume your ACCESS partner always understands cultural references. [Show video while students are answer questions]
There are six themes which will guide you with developing your skills as a PLP:Supportingthrough empathy, encouragement, and positive reinforcementFacilitate the learning process asrole modelAssist students to engage in critical thinkingHelp students manage conflicting roles and responsibilitiesColleagues’ support through support groupsProvide a feel of partnership with students by using “significant” coaching activities
Mentoring Activities are perceived to include the following roles for a mentor: Assessor.Facilitator.Role Model.Planning.Material Support.Interpersonal Support including:Trust.Personal Connection, (Appreciation of student’s abilities).Career development, (Support interests of student & keeping an open mind to achieve students’ vision).Student Empowerment.Developmental:Personal & Social Skills, (Self-esteem & Self confidence)Motivation, (help keep students focused on achievement of their goals). Maturation, (help transition between maturity stages)Attitudinal & Behavioral, (help change from negative to positive).
Major Domains (Areas) where mentoring can be exercised: (Nora & Crisp)
Question: Come up with an example of a time when someone displayed/helped you in one of the ways listed on this slide.
Question: Come up with an example when you developed an understanding of one of the quoted elements listed on this slide.
Question: Come up with an example of a time when someone displayed/helped you in one of the ways listed on this slide.
Question: Come up with an example of a time when someone displayed/helped you in one of the ways listed on this slide.
Question: Come up with an example of a time when someone displayed/helped you in one of the ways listed on this slide.
Question: Come up with an example when you developed an understanding of one of the quoted elements listed on this slide.
Question: Come up with an example when you developed an understanding of one of the points listed on this slide.
