Mentorship Rebecca Jordan Ecology, Evolution, and Natural Resources Human Ecology Program in Science Learning Mentorship Workshop May 15, 2013

Mentorship Workshop May 15, 2013

Mentorship Workshop May 15, 2013 To think about… What is a mentor? What are some common themes among the philosophies? What is the difference between a teacher and a mentor? What kinds of mentors are there? What kind of mentor do you want to be? Can a mentor also be an evaluator? Are there conflicting power issues in this relationship? What kind of “power” does a mentor have?

Mentorship Workshop May 15, 2013 What are your goals/objectives? Get experience with mentoring? Learn new ways to communicate? Add an item to your CV? Improve teaching skills?

Mentorship Workshop May 15, 2013 Big Questions & Expectations What do you expect your mentee to accomplish? What goals/objectives should they meet? How independent should your mentee be? How much assistance do you expect to provide for your mentee? What does your mentee hope to get out of the experience? And are you concerned?

Mentorship Workshop May 15, 2013 Key Points Establish a relationship Establish a plan Benchmarks Final project

Mentorship Workshop May 15, 2013 Establishing a relationship Be enthusiastic (& positive!) Introduce them to the lab and your lab mates Acquaint them with the building Get them started on a reflective notebook Talk about the “big picture” Discuss policies Discuss the mentee’s background Get to know your mentee Handelsman et al. 2005

Mentorship Workshop May 15, 2013 Benchmarks (pathways/assessments) & Feedback Define expectations/timeline multi-leveled, specific, measurable, dual pathways Encourage reflection Provide multiple opportunities for practice (& mistakes!) Make ideas explicit Make assessment formative/self-assessment Consider rubrics (versus right/wrong)

Mentorship Workshop May 15, 2013 Benchmarks (pathways/assessments) & Feedback How will you know if you are meeting goals/objectives? How will you know if your mentee is meeting goals/objectives?

Mentorship Workshop May 15, 2013 Success? What are your metrics for determining if you are meeting your goals/objectives? What metrics will you use to determine if your mentee is meeting goals/objectives?

Mentorship Workshop May 15, 2013 Backward Design (possible dissemination?) Define Goals Objectives; expectations Assessment How do you know if are meeting expectations Designing the learning experience Apprenticeship Cognitive Apprenticeship Reflection, Organizing frameworks, Practice, Refinement of ideas Wiggins & McTighe 2005

Mentorship Workshop May 15, 2013 Issues in mentoring intellectual issues: comprehension and learning to ask questions technical issues: experimental design, precision, and accuracy personal growth issues: developing confidence, creativity, and independence interpersonal issues: dealing with students of diverse experiences and backgrounds, motivation, honesty between mentor and student, scientific integrity, and discrimination

Mentorship Workshop May 15, 2013 How do you know if they understand you? Have them explain back to you (or to their peers) Have the student draw a flowchart or diagram of the project or write a paragraph describing the project/keep a journal Develop worksheets for assessment or to be given with scientific papers they read Handelsman et al. 2005

Mentorship Workshop May 15, 2013 Cognitive Social Development Motivation Confidence Self-efficacy/sense of control Communication

Mentorship Workshop May 15, 2013 Motivation Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic motivation Self-Determination Theory Not all motivators are alike

Mentorship Workshop May 15, 2013 Tips Make it real Provide choices Balance the challenges Seek role models Use peer models Establish a sense of belonging Adopt a supportive style

Mentorship Workshop May 15, 2013 Frequent early feedback Build in success Help students find personal meaning Create an open atmosphere Help students feel valued

Mentorship Workshop May 15, 2013 Communication Clash of cultures – Embracing who your mentee is versus who you want them to be…

Mentorship Workshop May 15, 2013 What are they thinking? …

Mentorship Workshop May 15, 2013 Tips: Framing Interpretive storylines Knowledge engagement Cognitive apprenticeship

Mentorship Workshop May 15, 2013 Tips: Presentations/Writing Allow time!! Do not do the student’s work for them Provide multiple opportunities for practice (& mistakes!) Make feedback constructive Self Assessment Consider rubrics (versus right/wrong)

Mentorship Workshop May 15, 2013 Questions Rebecca Jordan (work together!)