Peer Support on the Web

SUMMARY

While independent learning is an increasingly important part of university experience, students are often unaware of what it fully involves. Acquiring such an understanding through experiential learning facilitated by student mentors is one channel offered by London Guildhall University Students’ Union. This case study considers the reasons for its limited success and the appropriateness of introducing a peer support website to broaden student interest in learning independently. The website, still in its pilot stage, is being developed as an active learning exercise by and for peer supporters. Attendant problems discussed in this paper include: 1. constraints on developing a website for promoting learning and study skills, which is non‐tutorial in character; 2. technical constraints, including the absence of dynamic interface scripts; and 3. developing channels for student feedback and further contact. An evaluation of the website by students suggests that its development as a student‐led, student‐centred forum for independent learning is especially pertinent to the needs of less confident students seeking to improve their academic performance.