Using co-creation to explore important aspects of peer-mentoring for undergraduate students

Bibliographic Data

ID22423753
AuthorsCatherine Thompson (0000-0002-7967-7019, Liverpool Hope University, corresponding author), Chenelle Ashun (0009-0006-8170-9952, Liverpool Hope University), Caroline Knowles (Liverpool Hope University), Eve Binks (0000-0003-2397-6674, Liverpool Hope University)
Year2026
Pages1-15
Publication date2026-06-05
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueInnovations in Education and Teaching International (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1470-3297 • E-ISSN: 1470-3300
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/14703297.2026.2681744
OpenAlexW7163682741
LanguageEN
References cited26

The challenges facing students in Higher Education are increasing. Peer mentoring can be used to support students, promote integration, and reduce drop-out, yet any peer-mentoring programme should meet the needs of students without replacing other forms of support. This project used two co-creation workshops to explore undergraduate student (N = 9) and staff (N = 4) values of academic and pastoral support, to inform the design of future peer mentoring programmes. Thematic analysis was conducted on the audio recordings of the workshops. Themes included issues impacting mentees and mentors, and the mechanics of peer mentoring. These align with past research; however, there was a clear emphasis on the wellbeing of the mentors, showing the importance of providing training and support for peer mentors. Co-creation gives a voice to students and staff and is an innovative way to approach peer mentoring. This method could be used to design future peer-mentoring programmes.

Higher education · Peer feedback · Peer group · Peer mentoring · Peer review · Qualitative research · Teaching method · Thematic analysis · Higher Education Practises and Engagement · Higher Education Research Studies · Mentoring and Academic Development

Tools

Open DOIOpen Access