Methods used in mentoring
A variety of methods is likely to be used, depending on the individual student. There will be plenty of opportunities to talk about any difficulties you are having, and we will try together to find strategies to deal with these. This will probably involve me asking you quite a lot of questions – but this will be at a pace you feel comfortable with, and you don’t have to answer anything you don’t want to.
In order for the mentoring to work, I need to get to know you a bit, and for you to learn more about me too. There has to be trust between us, and usually I build up close relationships with my mentees. Many people feel they haven’t often had the chance to say how they really feel (in a non-threatening environment), so they value this opportunity.
A lot of the work is based around my ‘Learning Strategies’ document. This has evolved into 84,000 words - the size of a PhD thesis - which I put together to help students. It covers areas such as procrastination, time management, motivation, anxiety management, and social interaction. This approach works extremely well for those students who struggle to communicate, as less is expected of them whilst we use this learning resource. In addition, I find that looking at a screen together is more comfortable for some students than facing each other with direct eye contact. It all depends on the individual.
I also refer to a well-respected study skills book which has lots of good exercises and examples. I may use hand-outs, leaflets, other textbooks, online resources - whatever I feel would be helpful.
I strive to be fairly interactive in my approach, so it is not just a question of sitting back and listening to me, which would get boring! I will continue to ask questions and to comment in my material. There are also brief quizzes and tests, which are mostly quite easy. Some students appreciate the chance to role-play certain situations – and others hate it, so there is no pressure! Bringing your own real-life situation to a session is always helpful. We can go through different ways of dealing with it, and rehearse your responses.
We might do something like a mock interview to prepare you for an internship or job application.
At times, I will set you a challenge or a goal (with your consent of course). This might be something fairly easily achievable – by the next session, perhaps. It might, though, be a long-term aim.
There may be occasions when it is useful for me to liaise with e.g. tutors, disability staff, or parents. This would only be with your express consent.
Please note that, due to the nature of the funding and SFE/funding body guidelines, mentoring must have an academic-related focus. There will therefore be some boundaries. This is my responsibility, and I will explain if I think we are straying into unfunded territory. Mentoring is also not the same as counselling or study skills support - some students will need these in addition.