Study buddy learning is associated with academic success in undergraduate science courses

This study reports on the outcomes of a peer-learning program called study buddy for undergraduate science students. The study tested three hypotheses: (i) Do students benefit academically from a formalized study buddy peer learning program? (ii) Do mentors and protégés benefit equally from participation in the study buddy program? (iii) Does heterogeneity in group members' initial academic performance have an effect on benefits from participation in the study buddy program? To test these hypotheses, we implemented a cohort-based study buddy program in which high-scoring students (mentors) and lower-scoring peers (protégés), following their first assessment scores in a given course, were invited to form study groups. We compared the performance of participants versus non-participants on subsequent assessments, while examining separately the effects for mentors and protégés. Results showed (i) significant grade benefits for participants over non-participants, (ii) similar participation benefits for students in mentor and protégé roles, and (iii) no interaction of competence-based heterogeneity on these effects. Although this study design was unable to assess the nature of the study buddy interactions, the grade performance data highlight the program as a cost-effective and scalable approach to enhance students' educational experiences. The data also emphasize the value of reducing barriers to collaborative learning in higher education.