Mentees’ Perceived the Effectiveness of Peer Mentoring in First Year Programme

This study examined the perceptions of first-year science students in Hong Kong regarding the use of peer mentoring for the Bachelor of Science in Analytical Sciences for Testing and Certification programme in The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. A post-survey was conducted to assess how mentees experienced peer mentoring, with a focus on its impact on their understanding, motivation, and learning outcomes. The results indicated a generally positive response, with 62% of students expressing favorable views on key mentoring activities such as the provision of resources and materials, experience sharing, and support for learning motivation. Students also recognized the positive influence of their peer mentors on academic performance. Specifically, mentees reported that mentors helped clarify complex theories and concepts (65%), provided clear instructions for solving challenging problems (75%), shared useful study experiences (75%), and supported the development of advanced analytical and evaluative skills (75%). These findings suggest that the peer mentoring initiative was well-received and effective in enhancing students’ academic engagement. Overall, the study supports the value of integrating peer mentoring into the first-year experience of science students. It also highlights the underexplored connection between mentoring activities, learning motivation, and academic outcomes. The insights gained may inform the design, evaluation, and improvement of peer mentoring programs across higher education institutions in Hong Kong.