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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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