Use of English

Peer Mentoring

Many schools and universities now run peer mentoring programmes to help new students settle in more quickly. The basic (0) IDEA is simple: older or more experienced students offer advice to those who may be feeling uncertain, isolated or under pressure. In many cases, this support can make a real (1) .......... to a student's first few weeks, especially if they are struggling to fit (2) .......... or find their way around a new environment. A good mentoring scheme does not depend only on friendly volunteers. It also requires careful planning, proper training and clear goals. Mentors need to know how to listen, when to encourage someone to speak (3) .........., and when to suggest professional help. If the programme is well organised, students are more likely to take (4) .......... of it and ask for support before small problems grow. Schools often report that such schemes have a positive (5) .......... on attendance, confidence and classroom participation. They can also help build a stronger sense of community, as students feel they belong (6) .......... a group that cares about their progress. As a result, peer mentoring is now widely seen as an effective way to carry (7) .......... student support, while also giving mentors valuable experience that may be useful in their future careers. For both sides, the benefits can (8) .......... far beyond the classroom.