Journal of College Reading and Learning / August 2020
Peer mentoring and associated programs have gained prominence due to demonstrated positive effects on student retention and matriculation, but scant research exists on voluntary peer academic coaching as part of a peer mentoring program. This study was conducted for two purposes: to describe the demographics of students who register to participate in a peer mentoring program and to explore the primary goal(s) that participants hoped to accomplish through their academic coaching experience. Findings revealed high numbers of first-generation college student participants and international student participants, and themes derived from a content analysis revealed student goals in the areas of academic skills, academic goals, degree plan and progress, and overcoming barriers to success. Recommendations for future research and practice are articulated.
