The Stem Pathway and Student Retention: Lessons Applied and Best Practices Through Peer Mentoring

ISBN-13: 9783030658632 / Angielski / Twarda / 2021 / 121 str.

Carita Harrell; David G. Capco

Spis treści

Abstract

Chapter 1. Issues in Higher Education and STEM

Chapter 2. The Transition from High School to College

Chapter 3. The Role of Identity Development in the Acculturation to College

Chapter 4. The Orientation of First-year Students to Success: Recognizing the Need for Change

Chapter 5. The Orientation of First-year Students to Science and STEM Majors

Chapter 6. Early Support for First Semester Freshmen: Peer Mentoring

Chapter 7. Recruiting the Mentors and the Selection Process

Chapter 8. Foundations for Guiding the Mentors

Chapter 9. The Transformation Process from a Freshman into a Sophomore

Chapter 10. Lesson Strategies

Chapter 11. Implementing the Plan: The Weekly Schedule

References

Appendices

A. Icebreaker Websites

B. Planning the Session

C. Facebook Page with Privacy

D. Learning Management Platform Websites

E. Presentation of Leadership Styles

F. Risks and Rewards of Mentoring

G. SMART Goals

H. Time-management Resources

I. Tips for Facilitating an Effective Discussion

J. Letter to a Young Scientist

K. Dwell Time on Leadership

L. Log Sheet

M. Leadership Styles

N. Multiple Intelligences

O. Study Skills

P. Issues in Education

Q. Rejuvenation

Blurb

This work introduces methods that aid in freshman retention (in the transition from high school and to remain in the university of origin) and orient them towards a successful career in science. Specific examples of successful approaches are given as well as detailed plans for how to engage these students. Pitfalls as well as success are described. In addition this work provides a detailed description of how to develop the students into a cohort that exhibits comradery. Three types of cohort form, those within the freshman class, those among the upperclassmen and those between the freshmen and upperclassmen. The program works because the social reality is that the peer mentor has a better repertoire with the first semester freshmen than the faculty or staff and assists with student success. Factors such as financial aid, policy, and support systems influence student success. In the sciences, students often struggle with the content and adjusting to the college experience. Research states that a mentorship program supports retention as well as enhances the student experience during college. This program creates a cohort group among the upperclassmen mentors and freshmen and provides leadership development for all involved.