The purpose of this study was to investigate Peer Collaborative
Mentoring (PCM) as a professional development model for international
graduate teaching assistants at an American university. Data were gathered
from interviews and observations of three American peer mentors
(Intracultural Peer Mentors/IAPMs), five Chinese Graduate Teaching
Assistants (Intercultural Peer Mentors/IEPMs), and 130 undergraduate
students who were enrolled in an introductory course in chemistry from the
IEPMs. Six categories were identified through an analysis of the data:
(1) IAPM socialization; (2) dynamics of PCM; (3) gender; (4) language; (5)
phases; and (6) benefits of the PCM process. Data in the categories were
analyzed using two forms of triangulation: (1) investigative and (2) data
source.
The results of the study indicate that PCM is a developmental process
in which participants (IEPMs and IAPMs) move through four phases
(Induction, Empowerment through Collaboration, Reduction, and
Termination) employing the concepts of reciprocity, mutuality, parity and
cultural sensitivity. Providing this type of support system gave the IEPMs
and IAPMs an opportunity to develop a learning community through the
PCM process. During the study, the two groups of participants acted as
cultural mediators for one another and for the students. The purpose of the
mediation was to assist all participants in developing their cross-cultural
skills and resolve issues that were germane to the quality of the teaching
environment and the professional development of the IEPMs and IAPMs.
The study provides a new mentoring model for teaching faculty that is
responsive to professional development and cross-cultural communication
skills. The model supports an environment where isolation and dissonance
are minimized and collaboration and cultural sensitivity are encouraged. / Graduation date: 1992
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:ORGSU/oai:ir.library.oregonstate.edu:1957/36791 |
| Date | 23 April 1992 |
| Creators | Kilburg, Gary M. |
| Contributors | Savige, Margaret |
| Source Sets | Oregon State University |
| Language | en_US |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis/Dissertation |
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