Student perceptions of a school-based mentoring program and the implications for practice

Advisors: Dr. Patrick Roberts.Committee members: Dr. Rosita Lopez; Dr. Teresa Wasonga.A suburban high school in Northern Illinois conducted a mentoring program for freshmen students entering the school to assist with transitioning to the new setting. The program, entitled "Link Crew," matched junior- and senior-aged trained peers to groups of freshmen students to share information about the traditions, expectations, and methods to find success in the high school atmosphere. The purpose of this study was to investigate how students who have been involved in a mentoring program talk about and discuss their experience. By understanding student perspective, practicing administrators can become cognizant of students' needs and better prepared to address learning during transition. Eleven participants were interviewed individually to examine which program qualities impacted their student learning, self-efficacy, and ability to be successful in the high school setting. Students who participated in the mentoring program Link Crew as freshmen were audiotaped and interviewed initially during 10th grade to examine the specific themes shared and to identify characteristics and attributes of the mentoring program. Educators and administrators continue to search for interventions for all students in the school setting and methods to assist students through transition. Mentoring has been previously used in school settings for students transitioning from junior high/middle school to the high school setting. This study attempted to identify the perceived impact of mentoring for the students. Through transcribed interviews, specific attributes for effective selection of mentors, program qualities needs, and the potential impact on learning were shared by mentees. This information was coded to identify specific embedded themes and subthemes to assist other administrators and educators in identifying transitional needs and considering the potential of using mentoring as an intervention. Through coding of interview responses, students perceived mentoring as effective when students were open to being mentored through transition, were able to build a trusting relationship between the mentor and mentee, and had time to share interests and more about themselves.Ed.D. (Doctor of Education