Information for Peer Mentors
What does In2science Peer Mentoring involve?
Peer Mentors are currently placed in government schools in Victoria for 2 - 3 hours per week (usually one morning or afternoon). Check out which schools are near you using our interactive map.
Placements occur in either Semester 1 (School Terms 1 & 2) and/or Semester 2 (Terms 3 & 4), for 10 - 11 weeks. Many Peer Mentors remain involved in the program during their time at university, developing and enhancing their skills and knowledge.
Peer Mentors work with the same classes on a weekly basis for up to 11 weeks, getting to know the students and supporting them in their learning, especially during practicals and group work. They are supervised by a teacher at all times.
Peer Mentors need to have completed at least one year of university studying a science or engineering related discipline. They must have a genuine interest in helping students improve their experience in Science and/or Mathematics. Applicants need to have some communication skills and a willingness to talk to students in a classroom setting.
Peer Mentors must be an enrolled students at one of the partner universities.
All Peer Mentors must undertake a three hour training session prior to placement to learn how to be an effective Peer Mentor and to prepare them for the experience.
Each school has a Link Teacher who works closely with the Peer Mentoring Team and the classroom teachers to facilitate the program in the school.
Peer Mentors work closely with the class teacher to provide support for the lesson, especially practical classes. In many cases, Peer Mentors have been a valuable source of information and knowledge for teachers, especially those teaching away from their field of expertise.
Much more information can be found on the frequently asked questions pages (FAQs) for both current Mentors and those looking to participate for the first time.
Update information on the program is issued in the form of a newsletter (usually via email) for which contributions will be welcomed from all participants.
At the end of the program all parties involved; In2science Coordinators, Link Teacher, class teacher, Mentor and pupils will undertake an evaluation of the program with the view to assessing the value of the program and improving the experience for subsequent years.
What are future employers looking for?
In most cases involvement in Peer Mentoring will strengthen your CV as it involved many of the characteristics that employers look for. These include:
- Communication skills – listening, spoken, non-verbal
- Capacity to learn new skills and processes
- Capacity for teamwork and cooperation
- Professionalism
- Initiative and enterprise
- Problem solving
- Decision making
- Commitment
- Volunteering
- Flexibility
By being involved in the In2science mentoring program you open the opportunity to experience and gain some of these attributes for yourself.
Benefits for university students
You can derive many benefits from participation, both personal and career enhancement. Find out how to make the most of your In2science experience.