Peer mentoring

Secondary students in Malaysia turn away from STEM partly because the curriculum content is abstract and disconnected from real life. This mixed-methods study evaluated a Student-as-Trendsetter framework in which 10 gifted students codesigned 3D-printed STEM kits and mentored 88 peers. The classroom participants highly rated the peer-led sessions (M = 4.14–4.57), including the trendsetters’ expertise (M = 4.35). The trendsetters’ self-rated technical competency decreased significantly after the project (from 4.30–4.90 to 1.80–3.00; p < .001). Reflective journals showed that this decline was a healthy recalibration: moving from digital design to physical fabrication exposed real engineering constraints and built grounded, resilient confidence. The framework offers a low-cost route to engaging in student-led STEM learning.

This study explored the academic validation experiences of internal migrant college students and their implications for proposed psychosocial support activities. Specifically, it examined forms of academic validation, their influence on psychosocial well-being and academic persistence, and challenges in obtaining institutional support. Using a qualitative research design and Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis, the study examined interview accounts from eight internal migrant college students at Cavite State University–Main Campus during the academic year 2025–2026. Findings revealed that students experienced academic validation through faculty recognition, constructive feedback, peer encouragement, and academic achievements. Such experiences fostered motivation, confidence, belonging, and continued academic engagement. Conversely, limited recognition contributed to discouragement, self-doubt, and emotional distress. Participants also described homesickness, social isolation, language barriers, unfamiliar cultural practices, communication difficulties, and hesitation in seeking academic or emotional assistance. Despite these challenges, personal resilience, supportive classmates, and determination helped students adjust and persist in their studies. Based on the findings, the study proposed the BRIDGE Program, emphasizing peer mentoring, support circles, cultural integration, wellness activities, academic assistance, counseling, and opportunities for emotional expression. The study concluded that academic validation and accessible psychosocial support are important to the adjustment and educational persistence of internal migrant students. It aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 3, Good Health and Well-Being; Goal 4, Quality Education; and Goal 10, Reduced Inequalities. Its potential sustainability contribution lies in guiding inclusive institutional support practices that strengthen student welfare, social belonging, and equitable participation in higher education. These practices may also encourage more responsive and supportive campus communities.

Interactions with peer mentors can support the success of undergraduate STEM students; therefore, the training of near-peer teachers is key to ensure fruitful interactions. A Peer Teacher Inclusive Teaching Workshop was provided to graduate teaching assistants, undergraduate learning assistants, and undergraduate tutors. A pre- and post-assessment focused on participants’ knowledge of and motivation to use inclusive teaching practices as well as the likelihood of asking for assistance with their use. A final assessment was given three to six months later to investigate the implementation of inclusive teaching practices. Results indicated that the workshop helped increase knowledge and motivation immediately following the workshop, but the effect was lost as time passed. Some, but not all, participants reported using inclusive teaching strategies.

تعامل با همیاران معلم می‌تواند موفقیت دانشجویان مقطع کارشناسی در رشته‌های STEM را حمایت کند؛ بنابراین، آموزش معلمان هم‌رده برای تضمین تعاملات ثمربخش، کلیدی است. یک کارگاه تدریس فراگیر برای همیاران معلم به دستیاران آموزشی تحصیلات تکمیلی، دستیاران یادگیری کارشناسی و مدرسین کارشناسی ارائه شد. ارزیابی پیش‌آزمون و پس‌آزمون بر دانش و انگیزه شرکت‌کنندگان برای استفاده از شیوه‌های تدریس فراگیر و همچنین احتمال درخواست کمک در استفاده از این شیوه‌ها متمرکز بود. ارزیابی نهایی سه تا شش ماه بعد برای بررسی اجرای شیوه‌های تدریس فراگیر انجام شد. نتایج نشان داد که کارگاه بلافاصله پس از برگزاری به افزایش دانش و انگیزه کمک کرد، اما این اثر با گذشت زمان از بین رفت. برخی از شرکت‌کنندگان، اما نه همه، گزارش دادند که از راهبردهای تدریس فراگیر استفاده کرده‌اند.