Reciprocal mentoring: preparatory learning materials for teacher development

Abstract

This article reports on a 1997 research project funded by a National Teaching Development Grant from the Federal Committee for University Teaching and Staff Development (CUTSD). The project, ‘Facilitating Student-teacher Interns' Professional Development using Mentoring Casebook Learning Activities', was carried out in the Faculty of Education at Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane Australia. The aim of the project was to contribute to learning in education internships through the use of a mentoring model. Learning materials comprising a video and workbook were developed, and trialed with teachers and students preparing for the 1997 QUT internship programme. The effects of the learning materials on participants' understanding of mentoring functions and roles, as well as their conceptions of themselves as mentor partners, were examined. The impact of the learning materials on participants' experience during the 1997 QUT internship programme at QUT was also explored. Results suggest that mentoring is a valuable means for professional development for both experienced and beginning teachers.