PDEV 0012. Peer Mentor Training

Units: 3
Hours: 54 lecture
Experiential introduction to the method and process of being a skilled helper in academic peer support programs. Emphasis on communication skills, relationship development, knowledge of higher education, college policies and resources with the goal of promoting the academic and psychosocial factors that contribute to college and life success. (CSU)

PDEV 0012 - Peer Mentor Training

http://catalog.sierracollege.edu/course-outlines/pdev-0012/

Catalog Description DESCRIPTION IS HERE: Hours: 54 lecture Description: Experiential introduction to the method and process of being a skilled helper in academic peer support programs. Emphasis on communication skills, relationship development, knowledge of higher education, college policies and resources with the goal of promoting the academic and psychosocial factors that contribute to college and life success. (CSU) Units 3 Lecture-Discussion 54 Laboratory By Arrangement Contact Hours 54 Outside of Class Hours Course Student Learning Outcomes Access and refer students to college and/or community resources that can help students achieve their goals. Apply critical thinking and problem-solving strategies to support students in making academic, career, and/or personal decisions. Apply appropriate peer mentoring techniques and parameters. Course Content Outline A. Peer Support Programs 1. Contemporary Peer programs 2. Purpose of Peer helping 3. Role of skilled Peer helpers 4. College Peer helping models 5. Confidentiality as a Peer Helper 6. Peer helper role vs. professional helper role B. Academic Support 1. Types of academic support 2. Method for supporting mentees’ learning 3. Developing a sense of belonging to the institution 4. A typical peer mentoring session 5. Teaching techniques C. Social Support 1. Types of relationships 2. Components of Emotional Intelligence 3. Authenticity 4. How to establish and maintain boundaries 5. Recognizing mental health issues D. Communication Skills as a Peer Helper 1. Attending, active listening, reflecting, acknowledging and summarizing 2. Verbal and non-verbal communication 3. Cultural differences in verbal and non-verbal communication 4. Open-ended vs. close-ended questions 5. Guidance vs. giving advice 6. Empathetic, non-judgmental listening and responding 7. Communication strategies for differing personality preferences E. Trouble-shooting 1. Lack of engagement 2. Attendance and responsibility 3. Miscommunication 4. Contact 5. Working with distressed students 6. Reporting requirements and referral F. Diversity 1. Components of intersectionality 2. Knowledge of self 3. Policies relating to equality and diversity 4. Integrating diversity into your work 5. The role of an advocate G. Campus Resources 1. When to refer 2. How to refer 3. On-campus resources 4. Off-campus resource 5. Campus policies and procedures H. Employability 1. Employability skills gained as a mentor 2. Mentoring: a two-way process 3. Personal skills audit Course Objectives Course Objectives 1. Describe contemporary peer support systems methodology; 2. Define the role of a peer mentor in higher education; identify models of peer mentoring 3. Identify strategies for academic support; 4. Assess self-management behaviors and skills for becoming an effective social support for mentees; 5. Demonstrate an understanding of effective communication skills; 6. Describe process of troubleshooting in the mentor role; 7. Demonstrate self-awareness and knowledge of diversity and how diversity relates to the peer mentor position; 8. Describe and demonstrate employability skills gained through mentoring Methods of Evaluation Classroom Discussions Essay Examinations Reports Skill Demonstrations Reading Assignments 1. Based on the reading assignments reflected in the syllabus, read the chapter on "Goal Setting" and be prepared to discuss the material in class and as part of a written exam. 2. Read the article "The Effectiveness of Peer Mentor Relationships" and be prepared to discuss the article in class giving personal examples related to the material. Writing, Problem Solving or Performance 1. Based upon reading and class discussions, write a 500-word essay describing the major learning styles and how students can adapt their study habits and classroom participation to their learning styles. 2. From the reading "The Story of Brandon and Tony" which discusses two different cultural scenarios, discuss the differences in the backgrounds of the two students and how that might have an impact on their world views. In what ways would treating Brandon and Tony exactly the same way yield an unfair result? Submit a 3-page maximum, typed, double-spaced, size 12 font paper. Other (Term projects, research papers, portfolios, etc.) Keep a journal regarding the current class topic. Record insights, concerns and questions regarding the current topic. Be prepared to share your recordings with the class. Methods of Instruction Lecture/Discussion Other materials and-or supplies required of students that contribute to the cost of the course. Sierra College catalog