Learning and Development Centre Certificate IV and Diploma in Child, Youth and Family Intervention Mentoring

A one-to-one relationship based on:  encouragement  constructive comments  openness  mutual trust  respect and  a willingness to learn and share.

Derivative The term Mentor derives from Homer’s Odyssey. According to the ancient Greek legend King Odysseus appointed Mentor to act as a guardian, role model and friend for his son Telemachus. However, we now call the recipients Mentees rather than Telemachuses!

Why Mentor? ‘To help and support people to manage their own learning in order to maximise their potential, develop their skills, improve their performance and become the person they want to be.’ Parsloe 1992

CoachingGuiding NetworkingCounselling DIRECTIVE NON-DIRECTIVE STRETCHINGSTRETCHING CHALLENGINGCHALLENGING NURTURINGNURTURING SUPPORTINGSUPPORTING Jim Elliot Curtin University

Role of Mentor- 1 Listen and question Guide on career development Pass on information & knowledge Offer different perspectives Offer support, encouragement Jim Elliot Curtin University

Role of Mentor- 2 Take lead (initially) Give well-informed advice Refer on - where appropriate Confront difficult issues Celebrate success Jim Elliot Curtin University

Role of Mentor - 3 To encourage Mentee to: listen and question check their understanding share their thoughts review & reflect on learning be open to new perspectives take responsibility for own development get the most from the relationship and….. Jim Elliot Curtin University

Role of Mentor -3 Celebrate Success!

Responsibilities of a Mentor  M anage the relationship  E ncourage the mentee  N urture the mentee  T each the mentee  O ffer mutual response  R espond to the mentee’s needs (Clutterbuck 1993)

Mentee Benefits The opportunity to discuss learning issues with another in the context of a relationship of ongoing support and encouragement. Reciprocal benefits For Mentor and mentee Receipt of regular Advice and constructive feedback Enhances performance Provides opportunity for self-reflection Increased Self confidence Opportunity to develop New skills and knowledge Collaborative Problem solving Decision making Access to Networks And Contacts

The Mentoring Process Stage 2 Encourage the self- management of Learning Stage 1 Help Mentee construct a Learning Plan Stage 3 Provide support and feedback during the transition process Stage 4 Assist in evaluation of success 3 Column approach

LDC Mentoring Model INFORMAL FORMAL E- MENTORING

Formal Mentoring Course related Expectations Academic Advice Access to Learning Materials Essential Information and Referral Study and Research Strategies Evaluation of Learning Skills

Formal Mentoring Research techniques Referencing Formatting Writing Skills Critical Literacy Skills Gathering Evidence Interpretation and Decision Making Personal Reflection Facilitation Oral Presentations Setting up Personal Folders

Informal Mentoring Social and Emotional Needs Connection and Networking Support and Value Building Confidence Feedback and Reflection Facilitating Contacts

E-Mentoring The use of distance technology – , text, audio or video conferencing to develop and sustain the mentoring relationship. The actual relationship is the most important component of E-mentoring Phone Teleconferencing On Line Learning - Moodle On Line Links

Mentoring Tools Mentoring Agreement Learning Plan Performance Criteria Evaluation

LDC Mentoring Agreement Learners take responsibility to accessing the program, initiating all contact with mentors and completing the Mentor Learning Agreement. Learners take responsibility for their own learning and development in the prerequisite - and Diploma programs.

So… What does a Mentor actually do? A mentor helps expand a person’s perspective and improve their potential. You don’t have to have all the answers- You just have to be willing to share what you know. A mentor empowers a person to see a possible future, and believe it can be obtained Shawn Hitchcock

The Last Word on Mentoring… If you want one year of prosperity, Grow grain. If you want ten years of prosperity, Grow trees. If you want one hundred years of prosperity, Grow people.

Mentors grow People!