Impact of Mediator Mentors Service-Learning on College Student Social-Emotional Expertise and Cultural Competence

Yanelly Torres,Negin Tahvildary,Nichole Walsh

doi:10.46809/jpse.v3i1.38

Yanelly Torres, Negin Tahvildary + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.46809/jpse.v3i1.38

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Abstract

Mentorship in the field of service-learning has many variations. The utilization of peace circles has been on the rise as a way of bringing inclusion and cultural awareness when interacting with diverse perspectives in a group setting. Research on the impact of service-learning experiences on college students reflects that participation in these high-impact practices in higher education lead to positive outcomes through engagement in active learning practices that will impact their future careers. The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential factors that impact college students’ own growth and development within mentorship service learning experiences in virtual settings with school-aged students. Using Likert-style retrospective survey questions with open-ended responses, this mixed-methods research explored the impact of participating in mentorship service learning on college students’ development of social-emotional and cultural competence. The findings of the study are presented in a descriptive approach which led to conclusions and recommendations to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the Mediator Mentors program at Fresno State University to positively impact the growth and development of college students in the areas of social-emotional expertise and cultural competence.

Highlights

Mentorship is classified as a service-learning experience which is categorized as a high-impact practice universities utilize to increase engagement and build lifelong skills while providing a hands-on learning experience that is both beneficial to the mentor, the mentee, and the overall community culture (Allen et al, 2006)
This study aims to bring initial insight on how college mentors involved in the mentoring service-learning experience, in the form of virtual peace circles, will develop more social-emotional skills and cultural competence
What is the impact of the Mediator Mentors service-learning experience on the social-emotional expertise of college students? b

Summary

Introduction

Mentorship is classified as a service-learning experience which is categorized as a high-impact practice universities utilize to increase engagement and build lifelong skills while providing a hands-on learning experience that is both beneficial to the mentor, the mentee, and the overall community culture (Allen et al, 2006). As a result of implementing this restorative talk approach, schools have looked into effective ways of adopting such practices This approach resulted in schools working collaboratively with college campuses to provide mentorship peace circles to benefit both the p12 students and the college mentors who are engaging in a service-learning experience through their campus (Osterman, 2000). Fresno State has developed a mentorship servicelearning experience for college students within Peace and Conflict Studies classes (PAX 100). College students taking these courses can embark on a service-learning experience in partnership with high-risk and low-socioeconomic schools to gain valuable skills and experience in the field

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