Panel Discussion: The Role of Mentorship and Peer Learning in Skill Development
7th March 2025
Prof. (Dr.) Arpita Gupta, Director Dronacharya Group of Institutions, Greater Noida was invited as an expert speaker in, a panel discussion on "The Role of Mentorship and Peer Learning in Skill Development" on 7th March 2025 at Holiday Inn, Mayur Vihar, Delhi.
The discussion focused on how mentorship, coaching, and peer-to-peer learning models can facilitate the acquisition of new skills in both academic and professional settings. The panel consisted of the following esteemed individuals:
Other Panellist in the discussion were :
- Ruchika Gupta, Director, Mangalmay Institute of Management and Technology, Greater Noida
- Prateek Mishra, Director, Asia Pacific Institute of Information Technology, Sonipat
- K. K. Singh, Director, Delhi Technical Campus, Greater Noida
- Ramesh Mittal, Director, CCS National Institute of Agricultural Marketing, Jaipur
- Kirti Mahajan, Director, International Affairs, Bharati Vidyapeeth University, Pune
- Arun Kumar, Director - Corporate Affairs & Planning, Sparsh Global Business School, Greater Noida
- Sandeep Marwah, Founder & President, Asian Academy of Film and Television (AAFT), Noida
Important topics that were discussed includes:
The Importance of Mentorship in Skill Development: Panelist opened the session by discussing the crucial role of mentorship in facilitating skill development, both academically and professionally. It was emphasized, mentorship is not just about providing advice, but also about fostering a growth mindset and creating an environment conducive to learning. Mentors can guide mentees in understanding their strengths and weaknesses, which is essential for focused skill enhancement.
Coaching for Career Success: In the next session, all the panelist shared their insights on the importance of coaching, particularly in higher education and professional environments. It was highlighted that while mentorship typically involves longer-term guidance, coaching tends to be more goal-oriented and time-sensitive. Coaching enables individuals to achieve specific objectives—whether academic achievements or career milestones—through structured feedback and actionable advice. One of the panelist highlighted coaching is highly effective in industries like IT and engineering, where technical skills need constant upgrading to keep pace with technological advancements.
Peer-to-Peer Learning and its Role in Skill Enhancement: The panelist highlighted the increasing importance of peer-to-peer learning in skill development. Peer learning allows individuals to learn collaboratively, share knowledge, and solve problems together. Peer learning is particularly beneficial in academic settings, as it fosters teamwork, improves communication skills, and encourages students to take ownership of their learning. By learning from peers, individuals are exposed to diverse perspectives, which enhances their ability to adapt and innovate. It was also discussed how peer groups in professional settings allow employees to share expertise, leading to mutual growth and more effective solutions to business challenges.
Bridging the Gap Between Academia and Industry Needs: Next discussion focused on the gap between academic learning and industry expectations. It was highlighted the importance of mentorship in bridging this gap by helping students and professionals acquire relevant skills that meet industry requirements. Mentors with industry experience play a key role in guiding mentees toward developing market-relevant competencies, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and industry-specific technical skills. The importance of incorporating mentorship programs into educational curricula to better prepare students for the workforce was also discussed.
International Exposure and Cross-Cultural Learning: Next panelist emphasized the significance of cross-cultural mentorship, especially in an increasingly globalized world. They pointed out, mentorship and peer learning programs that connect students or professionals from different countries can foster cross-cultural competence, broaden perspectives, and enhance global awareness.
Transforming the Learning Environment Through Technology: Discussion on role of technology in facilitating mentorship and peer learning. During the discussion, it was highlighted how digital platforms have revolutionized the mentorship process by making it easier for mentors and mentees to connect virtually. The rise of online peer learning communities, webinars, and virtual coaching sessions was mentioned as a key factor in democratizing access to mentorship. He suggested that technology enhances the scalability of mentorship programs, allowing individuals across different geographical locations and time zones to benefit from mentoring and coaching opportunities.
Creative and Artistic Skills Development through Mentorship The panel discussion explored skill development in the creative and artistic sectors, emphasizing the crucial role of mentorship and coaching in enhancing artistic talents, building portfolios, and navigating the complexities of the entertainment industry. The discussion highlighted the value of hands-on guidance from experienced mentors who provide constructive feedback on artistic work and offer insights into the business aspects of the industry. Additionally, the role of peer learning in creative fields was underscored, with collaboration among peers recognized as a key driver of innovation and improved artistic output.
Key Insights and Takeaways:
Personalized Guidance: Effective mentorship and coaching are personalized, taking into account the mentee’s unique strengths, weaknesses, and career goals. A mentor’s role is not only to provide knowledge but also to help individuals unlock their potential.
Collaborative Learning: Peer-to-peer learning fosters collaboration, encourages critical thinking, and allows individuals to gain insights from a diverse range of perspectives. Peer learning also cultivates teamwork and communication skills, which are vital in both academic and professional environments.
Industry-Academic Linkages: Strong mentorship programs can bridge the gap between academic learning and industry demands by equipping students with the skills required by employers. Coaches and mentors with industry experience can provide invaluable insights into real-world challenges.
Technological Advancements: Technology has expanded the reach and accessibility of mentorship and peer learning opportunities. Virtual mentoring, coaching platforms, and online learning communities are making it easier for individuals to connect and collaborate globally.
Cultural Competence and Global Learning: International mentorship programs help individuals develop cultural sensitivity, global awareness, and the ability to work in diverse teams. This is particularly valuable in today’s interconnected world.
Creative Fields and Skill Development: In creative industries, mentorship is essential not only for developing technical skills but also for nurturing creativity, offering feedback, and navigating the business aspects of artistic careers.
The panel discussion on "The Role of Mentorship and Peer Learning in Skill Development" provided a wealth of insights into the powerful impact of mentorship, coaching, and peer-to-peer learning models. It was clear that these approaches are essential for fostering both personal and professional growth, especially in today’s rapidly evolving world. Mentors and coaches play a crucial role in shaping individuals’ careers by offering guidance, knowledge, and real-world experience. Peer learning, on the other hand, encourages collaboration and diversity of thought, which enhances problem-solving and critical thinking skills. As the discussion highlighted, fostering these learning models across academic institutions and workplaces will significantly contribute to the holistic development of individuals.