Developing peer-to-peer support relationships via collaboration, with low-level learners receiving digital support from higher-level learners.
Haringey Adult Learning Service (HALS) identified a support need for ESOL and literacy learners who have low-level digital skills. This project explored how peer-to-peer support could benefit both high-level (mentors) and low-level learners (mentees) through a peer-to-peer fusion model, with learners developing foundational and digital skills.
HALS embed the 5 Cs model of fusion skills into the curriculum, and these skills underpinned the project.
Mentors involved in the project were motivated to take part to improve employability skills such as communication, problem-solving, and creative thinking. Mentees gained essential digital skills that will allow them to access resources and participate in their courses on digital platforms. Some mentees benefited from learning targeting individualised skills to deal with a particular problem, like recovering and changing a password for an email account.
The peer-to-peer support model enabled staff, learners and stakeholders to have access to an informal learner-centred method that improved digital access to all of the participants
OTLA 8
11. Manage and promote positive learner behaviour - During the programme the team managed and promoted positive learner behaviour. A culture of mutual support and learning. Mentors interacted and supported each other sharing skills, knowledge and behaviour. Mentees brought back the knowledge they gained to their classrooms and further shared with their peers. The project enthused learners to develop a positive supportive behaviour across HALS.
17. Enable learners to share responsibility for their own learning and assessment, setting goals that stretch and challenge - This learner-centred peer-to-peer approach enabled learners to share responsibility for their own learning and assessment, setting goals that stretch and challenge by supporting each other individually and in their classroom. They were continuously learning new digital skills and experiencing fusion skills throughout.