Fostering social mobility and employability: the case for peer learning. Issue 3 (3rd April 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Donald, William E.; Ford, Neil
• Is Part Of: Teaching in higher education. Volume 28:Issue 3(2023)
• Page Start: 672
• Page End: 678
• Publication Date: 2023-04-03
• Subjects: Peer learning -- Supplemental Instruction -- social mobility -- access and participation -- attainment gap -- learner autonomy -- higher education -- employability; College teaching -- Periodicals; Education, Higher -- Evaluation -- Periodicals; Education, Higher -- Aims and objectives -- Periodicals; 378.1205
• DOI: 10.1080/13562517.2022.2145467
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1356-2517

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Higher education institutions continue to face challenges in fostering social mobility and preparing their students for the world of work. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated these challenges via disruption to education and reduced opportunities for work-integrated learning. Framing this as our point of departure, we propose that peer learning can play an integral part in reducing the attainment gap by promoting learner autonomy. Our essay uses the example of Supplemental Instruction to highlight the benefits and challenges of peer learning. We end with a call for empirical research and knowledge sharing to advance peer learning in an impactful way.