How Peer Mentors Facilitated Learning in a Campaigns and Elections Class Sara Box, Benjamin C. Bower and Jeffrey L. Bernstein Eastern Michigan University

Overview of project Groups of about four students are created with one peer mentor assigned to each Each group is given a different candidate Groups work together to complete several tasks that mimic a political campaign Messaging survey Campaign ads - tested using focus groups Presentation of campaign strategy to candidate

What is a Peer Mentor? A student who has already taken the course and done well A facilitator for each group A supportive person to answer questions and increase motivation

Our Experience Benefits of Having a Peer Mentor Increase communication Facebook group and messenger Motivation for students who would not normally participate as much Can ask students individually how they are doing - something the professor might not be capable of doing in a large class There to hear any and all ideas Students more eager to ask fellow students questions that they would not normally ask professor

Our Experience In addition: Mentors are a valuable resource tool for students when completing projects Mentors can keep the ball rolling when project progress stalls

Our Experience Mentors are not a hero to save group work struggles Chemistry between members can be challenging Communication problems are ubiquitous Procrastination is difficult to stop

What We Learned Real world applications for students and mentors Every job requires teamwork. Especially politically focused careers Mentors gain leadership experience Students practice team skills Mentors can ease the struggles of college level group work and make it possible for these types of projects to happen