Learning Through Peer
Helping
Learning About Learning:
Forum for Mills Learning Commons Partners
February 20, 2007
Dr. Debbie Nifakis
Laurie Barlow
Outline
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Introductions and Question Box
Our Experiences
Student Development Theory
Peer Helper Program
How does all this apply to the learning
commons?
"Learning Through Peer Helping" , a presentation given by Dr. Debbie Nifakis and Laurie Barlow at: Learning
about Learning: A Forum for Mills Learning Commons Partners, McMaster University, February 20, 2007.
2
Student Development Equation*
B = f (PxE)
Behaviour (learning) is a function of the person
interacting with their environment
* The following material on Student Development Theory (unless otherwise
referenced) was taken from Dr. Peggy Patterson’s presentation at Canadian
Institute of Student Affairs and Services, May 2005.
"Learning Through Peer Helping" , a presentation given by Dr. Debbie Nifakis and Laurie Barlow at: Learning
about Learning: A Forum for Mills Learning Commons Partners, McMaster University, February 20, 2007.
3
So, What is Student Development
Theory?
„
There is no one theory
„
It is a set or family of theories that attempt to
describe the developmental process of
students while at university
„
These theories help educators in what they
do and how they do it
"Learning Through Peer Helping" , a presentation given by Dr. Debbie Nifakis and Laurie Barlow at: Learning
about Learning: A Forum for Mills Learning Commons Partners, McMaster University, February 20, 2007.
4
Student Development Theories focus
on:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Human growth
Environmental influences
What we can do to provide environments
which promote student learning and
development
How to develop educational programmes,
opportunities and activities that stimulate
self-awareness, develop skills and build
knowledge
"Learning Through Peer Helping" , a presentation given by Dr. Debbie Nifakis and Laurie Barlow at: Learning
about Learning: A Forum for Mills Learning Commons Partners, McMaster University, February 20, 2007.
5
Some Basic Assumptions*
„
The individual student must be considered as a
whole person
„
Each student is a unique person and must be
treated as such
„
*Taken from the University of Calgary, Student and Academic
Services website:
http://www.ucalgary/sas/sas_site/student_dev.html
"Learning Through Peer Helping" , a presentation given by Dr. Debbie Nifakis and Laurie Barlow at: Learning
about Learning: A Forum for Mills Learning Commons Partners, McMaster University, February 20, 2007.
6
„
The student’s total environment is
educational and must be used to help the
student achieve full developmental potential
„
The major responsibilities for a student’s
personal and social development rests with
the student and his/her personal resources
"Learning Through Peer Helping" , a presentation given by Dr. Debbie Nifakis and Laurie Barlow at: Learning
about Learning: A Forum for Mills Learning Commons Partners, McMaster University, February 20, 2007.
7
Why is Student Development Theory
Important for us?
„
„
„
Useful for observing, describing and
investigating student characteristics and
identifying patterns of thinking , feeling,
knowing and behaving
Useful for suggesting strategies to promote
student learning and for understanding and
managing change
Useful in predicting and assessing the impact
of programmes
"Learning Through Peer Helping" , a presentation given by Dr. Debbie Nifakis and Laurie Barlow at: Learning
about Learning: A Forum for Mills Learning Commons Partners, McMaster University, February 20, 2007.
8
„
„
„
Useful for encouraging and generating
discussion, research and further theory
But most importantly, “It should remind
professionals of their most important goal:
….(educators) aim to transform lives”.
We do this by challenging students and
supporting their intellectual and personal
development
"Learning Through Peer Helping" , a presentation given by Dr. Debbie Nifakis and Laurie Barlow at: Learning
about Learning: A Forum for Mills Learning Commons Partners, McMaster University, February 20, 2007.
9
„
Knowing the theory helps us to better
examine how we challenge and support and
determine how we might do it more
effectively
"Learning Through Peer Helping" , a presentation given by Dr. Debbie Nifakis and Laurie Barlow at: Learning
about Learning: A Forum for Mills Learning Commons Partners, McMaster University, February 20, 2007.
10
A Little Bit of History
„
„
„
Initial research into student development
began in the 1970’s with researchers such as
William Perry and Arthur Chickering
In the 80’s and 90’s researchers such as
Carol Gilligan and Mary Field Belenky
introduced the experience of women
Currently scholars and researchers are
looking at cultural diversity
"Learning Through Peer Helping" , a presentation given by Dr. Debbie Nifakis and Laurie Barlow at: Learning
about Learning: A Forum for Mills Learning Commons Partners, McMaster University, February 20, 2007.
11
The Four Families of Student
Development Theory
1.
2.
3.
4.
Cognitive structural theories
Psychosocial Theories
Person-environment Interactive Theories
Humanistic-Existential Theories
"Learning Through Peer Helping" , a presentation given by Dr. Debbie Nifakis and Laurie Barlow at: Learning
about Learning: A Forum for Mills Learning Commons Partners, McMaster University, February 20, 2007.
12
Cognitive Structural
Theories
William Perry’s Theory
See appendix A
Dualism Modified (positions 1 - 3)
„ In the early position, students order their
worlds in dualistic, dichotomous and absolute
categories
„ Knowledge is presumed to be absolute and
known to authorities
"Learning Through Peer Helping" , a presentation given by Dr. Debbie Nifakis and Laurie Barlow at: Learning
about Learning: A Forum for Mills Learning Commons Partners, McMaster University, February 20, 2007.
14
Relativism Discovered (positions 4 – 6)
„ Recognition of multiplicity in the worldleads to
understanding that ‘knowledge is contextual
and relative’. Analytical thinking skills
emerge…
"Learning Through Peer Helping" , a presentation given by Dr. Debbie Nifakis and Laurie Barlow at: Learning
about Learning: A Forum for Mills Learning Commons Partners, McMaster University, February 20, 2007.
15
Commitments in Relativism Developed
(positions 7 – 9)
„ … commitments are made to ideas, to
values, to behaviours, to other people…
"Learning Through Peer Helping" , a presentation given by Dr. Debbie Nifakis and Laurie Barlow at: Learning
about Learning: A Forum for Mills Learning Commons Partners, McMaster University, February 20, 2007.
16
Psychosocial Development
Theories
See chart at end of handout
Chickering’s Theory of
Psychological Development:
An Organizational Framework
The Seven Vectors
Vector 1: Achieving Competence
„
„
„
Intellectual competence for academic
success
Physical and manual skills for manipulating
the environment
Social and interpersonal competence for
relating to others
"Learning Through Peer Helping" , a presentation given by Dr. Debbie Nifakis and Laurie Barlow at: Learning
about Learning: A Forum for Mills Learning Commons Partners, McMaster University, February 20, 2007.
19
Vector 2: Managing Emotions
„
„
„
Resolution of child-parent (authority)
relationships
Learning to manage emotions
Adjusting to one’s increasing sex impulses
"Learning Through Peer Helping" , a presentation given by Dr. Debbie Nifakis and Laurie Barlow at: Learning
about Learning: A Forum for Mills Learning Commons Partners, McMaster University, February 20, 2007.
20
Vector 3: Moving Through Autonomy
Toward Interdependence
„
„
„
Using well adapted coping behaviours
Reducing dependency upon others
Instrumental autonomy (becoming selfsufficient and goal directed)
"Learning Through Peer Helping" , a presentation given by Dr. Debbie Nifakis and Laurie Barlow at: Learning
about Learning: A Forum for Mills Learning Commons Partners, McMaster University, February 20, 2007.
21
Vector 4: Developing Mature
Interpersonal Relationships
„
„
„
Learning tolerance for a wider range of
persons and their beliefs
Developing mature interpersonal
relationships with peers
Establishing the capacity for intimacy
"Learning Through Peer Helping" , a presentation given by Dr. Debbie Nifakis and Laurie Barlow at: Learning
about Learning: A Forum for Mills Learning Commons Partners, McMaster University, February 20, 2007.
22
Vector 5: Establishing Identity
„
„
„
„
Clarifying personal values
Solidifying a sexual identity
Selecting an ethical and moral position for
oneself
Answering the questions, “Who am I?” and
“Where am I going?”
"Learning Through Peer Helping" , a presentation given by Dr. Debbie Nifakis and Laurie Barlow at: Learning
about Learning: A Forum for Mills Learning Commons Partners, McMaster University, February 20, 2007.
23
Vector 6: Developing Purpose
„
„
„
„
Setting appropriate and attainable
educational plans
Establishing career/vocational plans
Determining values
Deciding upon a lifestyle to meet one’s
personal needs
"Learning Through Peer Helping" , a presentation given by Dr. Debbie Nifakis and Laurie Barlow at: Learning
about Learning: A Forum for Mills Learning Commons Partners, McMaster University, February 20, 2007.
24
Vector 7: Developing Integrity
„
„
„
„
Deciding upon a personally valid set of
beliefs
Developing humanizing values
Congruence in life between personal values
and behaviour
Social responsibility
"Learning Through Peer Helping" , a presentation given by Dr. Debbie Nifakis and Laurie Barlow at: Learning
about Learning: A Forum for Mills Learning Commons Partners, McMaster University, February 20, 2007.
25
Major Developmental Experiences
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Participating in decision making in both academic
and non-academic settings
Interacting with those from diverse backgrounds
Interacting with diverse ideas
Involvement in a variety of experiences
Solving complex social and intellectual issues
without feeling compelled to conform to current
authority
Receiving feedback and learning how to make
objective self assessments
"Learning Through Peer Helping" , a presentation given by Dr. Debbie Nifakis and Laurie Barlow at: Learning
about Learning: A Forum for Mills Learning Commons Partners, McMaster University, February 20, 2007.
26
Environmental Influences
University Environment
1. Clarity and consistency of objectives
2. Size of institution
3. Curriculum, teaching and evaluation
4. Living arrangements
5. Interaction with faculty and administration
6. Friends, groups and student culture
"Learning Through Peer Helping" , a presentation given by Dr. Debbie Nifakis and Laurie Barlow at: Learning
about Learning: A Forum for Mills Learning Commons Partners, McMaster University, February 20, 2007.
27
Peer Helper Program
Peer Helper Program - History
„
„
„
Established in 1992
Initially consisted of 6 students
2006/07 includes over 50 students in 16
different areas
"Learning Through Peer Helping" , a presentation given by Dr. Debbie Nifakis and Laurie Barlow at: Learning
about Learning: A Forum for Mills Learning Commons Partners, McMaster University, February 20, 2007.
29
Peer Helper Program - Structure
„
2 Staff Coordinators
1 PHP Coordinator
3 Student Coordinators
20 Supervisors
54 Peer Helpers
„
TOTAL: 80
„
„
„
„
"Learning Through Peer Helping" , a presentation given by Dr. Debbie Nifakis and Laurie Barlow at: Learning
about Learning: A Forum for Mills Learning Commons Partners, McMaster University, February 20, 2007.
30
Peer Helper Program - Philosophy
„
„
Meaningful skills development
Win-Win-Win Model
‰
‰
‰
„
„
Win 1 – student seeking help
Win 2 – student offering help
Win 3 – supervisor/area/department/university
Provides for potential of skills being aligned
with future career paths
Enhances communication, interpersonal and
leadership skills
"Learning Through Peer Helping" , a presentation given by Dr. Debbie Nifakis and Laurie Barlow at: Learning
about Learning: A Forum for Mills Learning Commons Partners, McMaster University, February 20, 2007.
31
Peer Helper Program - Training
„
„
„
Mandatory March Orientation
Mandatory September Training
Ongoing Area Specific Training and
supervision that begins in early September
and continues on a weekly basis throughout
the school year
"Learning Through Peer Helping" , a presentation given by Dr. Debbie Nifakis and Laurie Barlow at: Learning
about Learning: A Forum for Mills Learning Commons Partners, McMaster University, February 20, 2007.
32
Peer Helper Program - Supervision
„
„
Supervisors meet with Peer Helpers early in
their placement so as to identify personal
learning objectives and expectations
This is revisited at intervals throughout the
placement
"Learning Through Peer Helping" , a presentation given by Dr. Debbie Nifakis and Laurie Barlow at: Learning
about Learning: A Forum for Mills Learning Commons Partners, McMaster University, February 20, 2007.
33
"Learning Through Peer Helping" , a presentation given by Dr. Debbie Nifakis and Laurie Barlow at: Learning
about Learning: A Forum for Mills Learning Commons Partners, McMaster University, February 20, 2007.
34
Linking Theory and Practice
WHAT (activity, program, issues) will likely be
important for a particular population (psychosocial
development)?
HOW is the (activity, program, issue) best addressed
(cognitive development)?
‰
‰
‰
‰
Amount of structure
Amount of personal involvement
Who is valued as an “authority” (how are peers viewed)…
This will affect who delivers the program or activity or deals
with the issue.
"Learning Through Peer Helping" , a presentation given by Dr. Debbie Nifakis and Laurie Barlow at: Learning
about Learning: A Forum for Mills Learning Commons Partners, McMaster University, February 20, 2007.
35