Peer support as a catalyst for improving student engagement and learning in higher education : a qualitative study

![CDATA[Background/context. Higher education institutions are built on the foundation of peer learning, an approach where peers support each other in learning processes in an educational setting (Gogus, 2012). Using peers as a support network is recognised as an efficient resource for enriching learning as it facilitates acquiring knowledge through active help and support among peers (Vignery & Laurier, 2020). However, there is limited evidence on the extent to which peer support improves student engagement and learning among those pursuing higher education in Australia. The initiative/practice. Peer/buddy support groups were implemented to provide additional academic and learning support to students enrolled in the Autumn 2021 session of the 401372 Social Determinants of Health unit at Western Sydney University. All students were allocated to and encouraged to engage in a peer support group of 4-5 students. Methods of evaluative data collection and analysis. Between 22 June and 1 July 2021, four focus groups were conducted in English, Hindi, and Nepali languages with a total of 22 students to gain an in-depth insight into students’ experiences of being in a peer support group. Focus groups were conducted via Zoom for approximately two hours, audio-recorded, translated to English, transcribed verbatim, and subsequently analysed using thematic analysis. Evidence of outcomes and effectiveness. Five major themes emerged: (1) university acculturation; (2) peer learning and academic help; (3) assignment specific support; (4) facilitators and barriers to engagement; (5) psychological and social support. This study found that peer support is a useful strategy to help students transition into university, and benefit from additional academic, learning and assignment specific support. While most students were motivated to engage in peer support groups, barriers such as online mode of study or other commitments were also identified. Nonetheless, peer support was key to providing psychological and social support amidst the COVID pandemic. This study generates an evidence base for the development of peer learning in an Australian tertiary education setting.]]