The Undergraduate Teacher-Scholar Program: Comparing Near-Peer and Non Near-Peer Instructors in Laboratory Courses

Abstract

Peer learning programs have been developed to support many introductory science courses by providing additional instruction and engagement. These programs are beneficial to both learners and instructors, providing content learning and confidence and attitudinal gains. There is evidence that the benefits of peer learning are higher when students are taught by a near-peer instructor who is close to the learner in age and experience. Building on this existing evidence, a peer learning program, the Undergraduate Teacher-Scholar (UGTS) Program, was created, involving both graduate student and near-peer instructors teaching in the same discussion or laboratory section. This format creates a vertical learning community within the course structure. The Teacher-Scholar program provides the opportunity to compare the roles of graduate student and near-peer instructors teaching the same students the same instructional material. We report differences and similarities in the perceived roles of the graduate student and near-peer instructors by all of the stakeholders involved in the program. Both graduate student and near-peer instructors are valued by students; however, the near-peer instructors provide mentorship and role model qualities that are not replaced by a graduate student instructor.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Sara M. Bourne

Sara M. Bourne is owner of Elite Edge Tutoring in Oakland, California.

Sean Limfat

Sean Limfat is laboratory technician at University of Southern California Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center in Los Angeles, California.

Sneha Dilip

Sneha Dilip and Seoyoung Han are graduates of the University of California, Berkeley.

Seoyoung Han

Sneha Dilip and Seoyoung Han are graduates of the University of California, Berkeley.

MaryAnn T. Robak

MaryAnn T. Robak and Peter Marsden are lecturers in the Department of Chemistry at the University of California, Berkeley.

Peter Marsden

MaryAnn T. Robak and Peter Marsden are lecturers in the Department of Chemistry at the University of California, Berkeley.

Anne M. Baranger

Anne M. Baranger ([email protected]) is associate dean of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the College of Chemistry and Faculty in the Graduate Group in Science and Math Education (SESAME) at the University of California, Berkeley, in Berkeley, California.