Improving the school performance and social climate through and intervention programa based on service-learning and peer mentoring

Abstract

ABSTRACT  

The current data about academic failure and dropout in education are alarming, with scores above average the European average. In this sense, the universities are to react with proposals, reliable, valid and adapted, such as, the establishment of teaching alternative methodologies, to increase the acquisition of learning and skills, reduces risk behaviors, and it promotes an environment and suitable school climate. Considering that situation, the aim of this study is to determine the efficacy of the Huelva Educa Program, an experience based on service-learning and peer mentoring, in order to increase school performance and improve the social climate in compulsory education students. The sample was composed of 69 students of compulsory education and 14 educational tutors. Likewise, in this investigation a quasi-experimental pretest-posttest design with a single group was used, where the intervention, which consisted of different sessions of mentoring among university students, previously trained, and the pupils in compulsory education, in out of school hours during the scholastic year. The results show improvements in school performance of the pupils in compulsory education, and improvements in the quantity and quality of interactions in the classroom, both from the perspective of students and of the educational-tutors, contributing to the failure and early dropout prevention.