Expectations of Students Participating in Voluntary Peer Academic Coaching

ABSTRACT

Peer mentoring and associated programs have gained prominence due to demonstrated positive effects on student retention and matriculation, but scant research exists on voluntary peer academic coaching as part of a peer mentoring program. This study was conducted for two purposes: to describe the demographics of students who register to participate in a peer mentoring program and to explore the primary goal(s) that participants hoped to accomplish through their academic coaching experience. Findings revealed high numbers of first-generation college student participants and international student participants, and themes derived from a content analysis revealed student goals in the areas of academic skills, academic goals, degree plan and progress, and overcoming barriers to success. Recommendations for future research and practice are articulated.

KEYWORDS:

• Content analysis; peer coaching; peer mentoring; qualitative

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Dustin K. Grabsch

Dustin K. Grabsch is the assistant director for Academic Support Initiatives within Residence Life at Texas A&M University. Within his role, he co-leads an undergraduate and graduate student research team and works alongside the department’s Faculty Fellows. In NASPA, he serves on the editorial board for the Journal of Student Affairs Research and Practice and served on the ACPA/NASPA Professional Competency Areas Rubrics Taskforce. Dustin teaches an undergraduate, living learning community-linked course along with an introductory leadership course within the Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communications.

Ricardo A. Peña

Ricardo A. Peña is a junior civil engineering major at Texas A&M University. He has served on the Academic Support Initiatives Research Team for over two years. Ricardo participates in a number of identity-conscious programs on campus including serving as a mentor for a first generation college students. When not studying, Ricardo enjoys traveling and playing soccer.

Krystal J. Parks

Krystal J. Parks is a senior Africana studies and philosophy major at Texas A&M University. Krystal has previously served as an Academic Peer Mentor before serving a second year as a Senior Academic Peer Mentor. Krystal also is the co-founder of T.E.A.A.C.H. an organization whose purpose is to teach everyone African-American culture and history.