Global Utilities

Science, Technology and Engineering

In2science Peer Mentoring Program


Information for Mentors

How to get involved?

To be eligible to be an In2science Peer Mentor you must meet the following criteria:

  • Be a current student at either La Trobe University, the University of Melbourne or Monash University.
  • Be studying a Science or Mathematics related discipline.
  • Have completed at least one year of an undergraduate degree.

If you feel you would like to volunteer to be involved in the program then you need only complete an application form and attend a brief interview with a Peer Mentoring Coordinator.

You will be required to submit times when you would be available to visit a school (you will need to check this with your timetable to avoid clashes with lectures, etc).

Not everyone who applies will be able to be placed as placements are based upon:

  • Your location in relation to the school
  • The school timetable of classes
  • Your availability
  • subject specific requests from schools.

Placements occur in Semester 1 and/or Semester 2 with training sessions held prior to commencing the placement.

Each student placed will be asked by the school to undertake a police check by completing the Working With Children Check.

Semester 1 placements

Training dates and venues: will be advised directly to successful applicants.

Semester 2 placements
Training dates and venues: will be advised directly to successful applicants

See also Key Dates.

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Training Sessions

You must complete Peer Mentor training before undertaking a placement. The purpose of the training is to prepare you for your role as a Mentor in the classroom.

Training lasts for approximately three hours and involves:

  • An introduction to Peer Mentoring
  • What makes a good Peer Mentor
  • Do’s and Don’ts of Mentoring
  • Group discussion of classroom scenarios
  • Hints and tips for successful mentoring from previous Mentors
  • General information on placements, claiming travel expences, etc

At the end of the training session you will receive a certificate of attendance.

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Your role in the classroom:

Once you go into a school you are taking on a different role to your normal activity as a university student, and it is important that you act accordingly. The ethos and atmosphere of every school is different, but you will soon learn to blend in to your own particular school.

Each school has a Link Teacher. They are your support within the school, although the Peer Mentoring Coordinator will make visits to see you. If you have any issues contact the Link Teacher or the Coordinator at an early stage. They should be able to resolve the problem with the minimum of fuss.

You will work under the guidance of the classroom teacher, offering advice and support to the students. You may be used in the following ways:

  • Moving round the class helping individuals in tandem with the teacher.
  • Motivating students to stay on task or challenging their understanding of a task.
  • Working with particular individuals in the class.
  • Leading a small group of students (either more or less able) on a mini project or task.
  • Demonstrating a particular piece of equipment to groups or individuals.
  • Involved by the teacher in whole class discussions.
  • Helping the teacher plan an activity or visit for the students.

Travel Claims

Travel claims can be made at the end of each semester of placements. Travel can be claimed for either public transport or for car use at a rate of $0.50/KM. Students can claim to a maximum of $10/week of placement.

When calculating car travel expenses ensure that you are only claiming the additional distance travelled if you attend the school on the way to or from university. Claim the full distance if travel is a unique trip just to the school.
Travel claim form (PDF 67KB)

 

Benefits of involvement

there are many benefits to getting involved in the program:

  • benefits for your own study
  • benefits for career options
  • great for those considering teaching to get a taste of classroom life
  • opportunity to build your communication skills
  • volunteering for a useful cause
  • sharing your passion for science and mathematics

Mentors are also rewarded in ther following way for their participation:

  • Certification for each semester completed
  • Polo shirts for those doing a second placement
  • letter of commendation from your Dean for completing three rounds of placement