Mentoring in Education and Training

What is Mentoring? 

Mentoring is sharing advice, guidance, experience, and knowledge typically to someone less experienced. A successful relationship is based on clear expectations, trust, and mutual understanding.

What is the difference between formal and informal mentoring? 

Mentoring can be formal or informal, the occasional chat with someone more experienced is an informal mentoring relationship. It is common in formal mentoring relationships for both parties to document an agreement or contract between themselves. Therefore the document forms the outline of the mentoring programme (usually for a set period of time) to provide clarity towards achieving the desired outcomes. If you're interested in finding out more detail about being a mentor and structuring an effective mentoring relationship, try doing a short CPD course on Principles of Coaching and Mentoring. You will learn more about the components and techniques of minimising barriers with your mentee.

Advantages of mentoring for teachers and trainers

Many educational institutes run mentoring programs to give trainers and assessors an opportunity to get involved in something different. For example, educational institutes hire mentors for trainers, assessors, and students to improve the learning experience of the learners during their course of learning.  Therefore mentoring is a powerful way of helping individuals develop. As a result, both the mentee and the mentor can benefit from widening their network and sharing their information and ideas. A newly qualified teacher can benefit from being mentored by a more experienced professional. As a result, the help they receive means they integrate into the new environment much more quickly.  You can be a mentor and trainer in your own specialist area if you do the Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training course. The course consists of detailed mentoring, coaching, or tutoring modules that can be added to customise your level 4 training qualification. 

Qualities of a mentor 

The mentor must have patience, understanding, and empathy; essentially their role is based on listening, encouragement, and guidance. Above all, even in a formal relationship, the mentor should not instruct /order their mentee. Therefore the role is about guidance and offer advice when appropriate. The mentor should have experience in the subject, skill, or profession. Good communication skills are critical, listening and knowing when to speak and offer advice is key.  The CPD course on Mentoring helps aspiring mentors in understanding the theory and practice of mentoring. Mentees will benefit from the knowledge and helping techniques their mentor learnt from the CPD course.

Summary

Mentoring is a very powerful way of sharing knowledge, ideas, skills, and experience.  Above all, for it to be successful, there must be trust and a clear understanding of the expectations and help individuals in achieving their goals in the long run. Moreover, after acquiring the Level 4 CET qualification, you can take up training and mentoring as a full-time job and help learners in your industry.

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