1. 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

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

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

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

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

6. 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

7. 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

8. Why are mentors so important?
Prevented
University of Adelaide

9. Why are mentors so important?
University of Adelaide

10. 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

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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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

18. 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

19. 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

20. 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

21. Student assessment

22. 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

23. 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 from the SGDE coordinator
Answer their questions – or if possible let them work it out though your questions
University of Adelaide

24. Mentor-Student Interaction

25. Mentor-Student Interaction
University of Adelaide

26. 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

27. 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

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