Mentoring CPD Festival 2017

Complete the skills assessment What makes a good Mentor? Mentor System What is Mentoring? Complete the skills assessment Why Mentor? What makes a good Mentor?

Mentor System It is intended that mentors should be able to:   Support an individual in their academic journey on their chosen study programme; Support an individual to understand and implement College policies and procedures; Promote good practice within the learning environment and a positive approach to their studies; Act as a point of contact and a sounding board on issues arisen through the study programme; Network with other mentors on ways to develop and enhance good mentor practice; Act as an appropriate point of guidance for students with problems/issues to ensure that appropriate advice and guidance can be sought from staff.

What is Peer Mentoring? Peer mentoring is an interactive process between two or more individuals that is used to: Share successful practices through collaboration and reflective practice Act as a problem-solving vehicle Reduce isolation among peers Create a forum for addressing learning and development Support and assisting new students in the college environment

How will it work? The Sports Tutors are responsible for the co-ordination of the Mentor Scheme. Mentors will be chosen from the Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport and will be allocated up to 2 mentees. This allocation will take place within the first half term of the study programme. The mentor/mentee relationship will be on-going for the first semester of the study programme, unless the personal tutor has agreed an alternative finish date with the mentee and mentor. Mentors are asked to keep a log of all meetings and feedback to the personal tutor as necessary.

How will it work? Meetings should take place fortnightly in a mutually agreed location and time within the college, to include: Learning Curve Meeting rooms (to be booked with the Learning Curve) Study Area Meetings should NOT take place outside of the college environment or in the Atrium. Meetings between the mentor and mentee are an opportunity for the mentee to be supported in their academic journey within the college.

How will it work? If a meeting is missed by either the mentor or the mentee, the reason must be presented to the Personal Tutor immediately. If necessary, the allocation of mentor to mentee will be reviewed and a possible new allocation may be established. Should the mentor or mentee at any time perceive a problem with the relationship, personal tutors will review the situation and resolve any issues arisen

What are the benefits? Mentee Mentor Increased confidence Progress towards achieving higher grades Develop organisation skills Develop communication skills Encourage self-ownership for the educational journey Enhance Personal Statement and CV Develop confidence Develop professional qualities

An agony aunt An escape goat Therapist Role of the Mentor What the Mentor ISN’T Facilitate exploration of needs, motivations, skills, thought processes   Facilitate real, lasting positive change Observe, listen, ask questions Support goal setting and assessment Encourage commitment to action Maintain positive, supportive, non-judgemental point of view Ensure mentees develop / improve personal competences and not become dependent on mentor Support each other An agony aunt An escape goat Therapist

Responsibilities of the Mentor Meet with their mentee once every 2 weeks, maintaining a log of the meetings (meeting time and place to be agreed with both the mentor and mentee at a time and location convenient); Ask subject tutors and the mentee to complete a skills assessment questionnaire once every half term; Complete a Mentee Action plan at each meeting, identifying strengths and areas for improvement from completed questionnaires; Report back to personal tutors on progress, successes, regression and barriers;

Responsibilities of the Mentor Encourage the mentee to take ownership of their study programme and pride in their achievements; Report any issues or concerns from meetings to the relevant people i.e. Student Support, Personal Tutors, Programme Leader etc.;   Keep all documents filed correctly and respect confidentiality of the meeting A professional relationship must be maintained at all times, respecting the mentor and mentee boundaries

Mentor System

Mentor System

Stage 1 – Prompt Stage 2 – Respond Stage 3 – Plan Ahead The mentor uses openers: “What would you like to talk about today?” “Has anything really good or anything difficult happened over the past week?” “Tell me about what happened in …” “What did we talk about last time?” Stage 2 – Respond The mentor challenges through suggestion: “That would have probably made me feel… How did you / others feel?” “My understanding is…… What do you think?” “I once had a similar situation… if it happened again I would…” Stage 3 – Plan Ahead The mentor guides the mentee on a way forward: “OK, so next time we are going to ….. Is this right?” “Now that you’ve chosen to….. Is there anything I can help you with?” “Remind me – what are you going to do next time this situation occurs?”

Have a Go! In pairs, take it in turn to complete the Mentor Process Mentee Use the templates provided Complete an evaluation of the templates after the process is complete Consider from the perspective of the student / staff