Innovations in Undergraduate Mentoring: School-University Partnerships to Address Needs and Inequities During Pandemic-Related Remote Learning

Authors

  • Amy Vatne Bintliff University of California-San Diego
  • Caren Holtzman University of California-San Diego
  • Ellen Ko University of California-San Diego
  • Brycen Barron-Borden University of Leicester, Leicester, England
  • Vivian Thong University of California-San Diego
  • Kathleen Ardell University of California-San Diego

Abstract

 

Abstract

 

The COVID-19 pandemic facilitated abrupt shifts in university-to-community service-learning partnerships, such as mentoring and tutoring programs. This mixed methods study investigates the needs that under-resourced schools and nonprofit organizations faced during the shift to remote instruction in Southern California, and how their university service-learning partners had to innovate in order to continue providing meaningful experiences for both undergraduates and partners. 72 school and nonprofit partners, 6 university lecturers of service-learning courses, and 55 university undergraduates participated in the study in June of 2020. Methods include surveys, interviews, and a focus group discussion with an emphasis on qualitative data analysis. Community partner needs included digital literacy, coping with complex remote learning environments, concern for the basic needs of children, and negotiating policies that inhibited the continuation of traditional mentoring. The following innovations stemmed from the evaluation of all constituents’ needs: 1) remaining in contact with service-learning partners during times of crisis; 2) connecting with families; 3) redesigning courses to provide more support and flexibility for undergraduates; and 4) supporting digital literacy needs via remote tutoring. Recommendations for future success include creating flexibility in school policies to allow the most vulnerable constituents better access to mentors during the pandemic and beyond.

 

Keywords: service-learning, mentoring, COVID-19, higher education

 

 

Author Biographies

Amy Vatne Bintliff, University of California-San Diego

Amy Vatne Bintliff is an Assistant Teaching Professor in the Education Department at the University of California, San Diego. She has a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology and teaches service-learning and adolescent development courses. She researches adolescent well-being, service-learning, and restorative justice. She has also conducted research and advocacy around several women’s health issues including ending human trafficking and building programs that sustain and affirm the lifelong well-being of women and girls who have experienced trauma.

Caren Holtzman, University of California-San Diego

Caren Holtzman is the Director of the Partners At Learning (PAL) Program within the Department of Education Studies at the University of California-San Diego. Caren teaches a range of EDS classes, including Partners At Learning (PAL) service-learning courses, practicum classes for the EDS minor, and methods classes (math and arts). She is the author of several books including, Object Lessons: Teaching Mathematics through Visual Arts (Stenhouse, 2012).

Ellen Ko, University of California-San Diego

Ellen Ko is a veteran mentor of the PAL program and is an undergraduate student at the University of California-San Diego majoring in Clinical Psychology and Education Studies.

Brycen Barron-Borden, University of Leicester, Leicester, England

Brycen Barron-Borden is a graduate student at the University of Leicester. While at the University of California-San Diego as an undergraduate majoring in Education Sciences, Brycen was a veteran PAL mentor and Teaching Assistant. He received the Outstanding PAL Leadership Award in June, 2020.

Vivian Thong, University of California-San Diego

Vivian is an undergraduate student majoring in Education at the University of California-San Diego. She is a veteran PAL mentor.

Kathleen Ardell, University of California-San Diego

Kathleen Ardell is a graduate of Psychology from the University of California-San Diego. She is a veteran PAL mentor.

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Published

2020-12-17

Issue

Vol. 11 No. 2 (2020): JSLHE (Covid-19; 2020)

Section

Articles

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