In2science Peer Mentoring Program
Information for Schools and Teachers
Why get involved in the program?
How to get involved in the program
If you are a school looking to be involved in the program please contact the Peer Mentoring Coordinator. Please be aware that the program is currently available for Government Schools only. Schools will be added to the program in accordance with the program requirements, funding parameters and placement practicalities.
Information for teachers:
- Getting the Most out of the In2science Peer Mentoring
Program – a guide for teachers (PDF 487KB) - The Link Teacher's role
- List of schools involved
- Advice from teachers about having a Peer Mentor for the first time.
- What teachers say about In2science
- Peer Mentoring in Action - images (PDF 7,210 KB)
- Newsletters
- Outcomes Planning Form (PDF 36 KB)
- Key dates
- In2science Statistics
- Contact us
Additional Information
- Links to other Peer Mentoring programs
- In2science program evaluations
At each school one staff member is asked to undertake the role of Link Teacher for the In2science program.
The Link Teacher provides an important role in the whole program and success of Science Peer Mentoring in Schools.
Ideally they are the teacher in charge of Science within the school, who has an overview of the teaching and learning within these subjects. They should be interested in the effectiveness of Peer Mentors in the classroom and have some experience of mentoring as a resource. This experience could be the support of trainee teachers on placements.
They are the point of contact between the school and the Peer Mentoring Coordinator and ensure all information is effectively communicated.
The Peer Mentors are there to support the work of the students, especially with practical work. To engage in conversation with the students to foster their interest in the subject and most importantly to act as a role model for achievement in the subject.
The Link Teacher has the following role:
- To liaise with the Peer Mentoring Coordinator on all aspects of the program relating to the school and the Peer Mentor.
- Help the Peer Mentoring Coordinator in ensuring that all staff members understand the role of the Peer Mentors and what is required of the school, participating teachers and other staff.
Prior to the placement the Link Teacher should:
- Obtain information about the school to assist both the Peer Mentoring Coordinator and the Peer Mentor attached to the school.
- Aim to establish which classes and teachers the Peer Mentor will work with.
- Meet with the Peer Mentor and class teacher prior to commencing the placement.
During the placement:
- Maintain an attendance record for the Peer Mentor.
- Maintain regular contact with the classroom teachers to check on the Peer Mentor’s progress and advice on any problems.
- Offer support and guidance for both the classroom teachers and the Peer Mentors.
- Where possible, try to meet with the Peer Mentor to ensure there are no issues arising.
Remind classroom teachers that the Peer Mentors are not trainee teachers (though many will be interested in teaching) and as such should never be left in charge of the class for any period of time.
Evaluations form an integral part of the program. it is through such evaluations that we are able to improve the program to maximise the benefits for all involved.
Internal Evaluations
At the end of each placement questionnaires are sent out to:
Peer Mentors
Class Teachers
Students
Link Teachers
These questionnaires are designed to gather information about the experience of being involved in the program.
External Evaluations
the Centre for the Study of Higher Education (CSHE) conducted an external evaluation of In2science at the end of 2004.
CSHE undertook a more extensive review of the program in 2006.