SGDE Mentor Induction Workshop Getting the most out of being a mentor: SGDE Mentor Induction Workshop Developed as part DVCA SGDE Project: Investigating the role of mentor-student relationship in the implementation of SGDE

Welcome and introductions Meeting other mentors Describing your project area/topic Welcome and introductions

The COURSE team Instructor 1 (Course coordinator) Instructor 2 (SGDE coordinator) University of Adelaide

Other important people Mr/Mrs X (responsibility within the Course) Mr/Mrs X (responsibility within the Course) University of Adelaide

If in doubt ask course coordinator What will be provided? If in doubt ask course coordinator University of Adelaide

Section activities Please introduce yourself to the other mentors Basic outline of proposed project topic What is your project topic? Have you done this project or a similar one in previous years? Creation of mentor teams - to ensure there is a “fall-back” University of Adelaide

What is a SGDE? The Small Groups Discovery Experience (SGDE) is a major initiative within of the Beacon of Enlightenment. Definitions of SGDE: A small group of students, meeting to work at the discovery of new knowledge under expert guidance and will be the centrepiece of the university experience. The SGDE is based on collaboration between students working together in small groups, with researchers, to learn through inquiry and discovery. University of Adelaide

Why are mentors so important? Prevented University of Adelaide

Why are mentors so important? University of Adelaide

Why are mentors so important? Project specific guidance of students Partner to ask questions First point of contact with “real world” research A mentor allows the students to have input into the project, rather than having group work within the class setting (practicals) which follow a set protocol With the guidance and help of a mentor “creation of new knowledge” is a true possibility University of Adelaide

Level - students knowledge What have the students learned in level - ?! Level - students knowledge

Some of the courses from level - List the most important courses . What I learned? What I remember? What I thought I ever need again? What I remember since I used it last? University of Adelaide

Some of the courses from level - List the courses and give some examples what they have done within those that is applicable and important to your SGDE projects University of Adelaide

Some of the courses from level I Is there perhaps one course that you might need to highlight even more? . What I learned? What I remember? What I thought I ever need again? What I remember since I used it last? University of Adelaide

Courses they take this semester Students of Program 1: Insert time table of courses what they are Students of Program 2: Insert time table of courses what they are University of Adelaide

Section activity Please let us know: Do you see any immediate problems that students could be facing considering their lack of knowledge in your field in regards to your project? How could we address these issues? University of Adelaide

Managing student input into the projects Let them be part of the planning. Listen to what they have to say. Adjust! Managing student input into the projects

Student involvement It is really important to allow students to feel as though they are truly part of the design process. Let them make suggestions Listen to what they have to say Adjust the project if possible so they can implement some of their suggestions  more involvement = more buy in! It will be more fun for all of you if the students are really interested in the project University of Adelaide

Student ideas Often more than they can handle Have never done a research project before Get excited about the project Need your help and guidance University of Adelaide

Section activity Split up into smaller groups Look at the (mock) student proposal ideas or previous years’ proposals Please discuss amongst your group How you would manage the students input to design of the project What changes you could make to improve the project Are you willing to let the students try some “unconventional” things? Discuss in the whole group University of Adelaide

Student assessment

Learning outcomes – SGDE Assessment split XX% If you like specify the exact split of each of the assessments related to the SGDE University of Adelaide

When a student asks about assessment? Assist the students Guide them though the process For assessed assignments give input How they are assessed (including rubrics) is in the class manual The students should have one and can show you You will also get a copy of the assessment details via email from the SGDE coordinator Answer their questions – or if possible let them work it out though your questions University of Adelaide

Mentor-Student Interaction

Mentor-Student Interaction University of Adelaide

Mentor-Student Interaction Survey and focus group results show Mentor-student interaction is very important Mentor guidance is appreciated Mentor presence is highly valuable and key to a successful project An engaged mentor likely encourages students to be engaged Students value mentor engagement and presence at their presentation University of Adelaide

Section activity Exchange of previous mentoring experience What was good? What was less good? What would you tell a new mentor is most important from your point of view? University of Adelaide

Thank you for your willingness to be a mentor Thank you for your time and patience