Mentor Teachers Research Articles

Mentorship in Higher Education: a Concept, a Model and Development Prospects

The article examines the mentorship development in higher education. The need for a scientific reconsideration of the conceptual framework of mentorship in modern conditions, as well as its important practical significance for adapting students, improving the quality of education and professional activity are forming the relevance of this topic. The purpose of the article is to develop the concept of mentorship, to design a model and to plan the mentoring in higher education. An interdisciplinary approach was used to determine the essence of mentorship (consideration of the category in Psychology and Sociology, Pedagogy, Management), a model of mentorship in higher education has been developed with a structural-system analysis, as well as with graphical and statistical methods. The scientific novelty of the article is the development of the conceptual framework of mentoring and applied aspects of its implementation in higher education in Russia. The essential elements of mentorship were identified and considered, namely: the concept and approaches, purpose and objectives, principles and functions. The types of mentorship in higher education were classified according to key criteria: the number of mentees, formalization, period of interaction, method of implementation, direction of interaction, purpose. The main principles of mentoring in higher education are specified. A model of mentoring in higher education was proposed. A systematic analysis of successful practices and mentoring programs in higher education in Russia was carried out. The problems and prospects for mentorship development in modern conditions were identified. The practical significance of the study lies in the possibility of using conceptual developments in the formation and development of the legal framework for the implementation of mentoring, as well as the development and implementation of a mentoring model in higher education institutions.

The Role and Motivation of Pre-Service Teacher (PST) Mentors from Pro-Social to Cognitive-Effective Perspectives

The purpose of this quantitative descriptive study is to shed light on the driving forces of the mentor’s positions in teacher training processes in Israel. The research is based on an exploratory cross-sectional study which included 170 preservice teacher mentors in the north of Israel. The mentoring position, despite its importance, is often unappreciated, even by the mentors themselves. It is barely rewarded, in money, status, or prestige. The current study focuses on the internal motivation of mentors for choosing to serve in this role in addition to their main role as classroom teachers. In this regard, the theory of cognitive-effective perspective can help us to understand the reasons behind these motivations. Our findings indicate that mentors exhibit internal motivation from the pro-social and cognitive-effective perspectives. The average score for attitudes was M = 2.92 (SD ± 0.42). The total score was higher for the cognitive components than for the effective ones (M = 2.98, SD ± 0.44, and M = 2.85, SD ± 0.52, respectively). The main motivations of the mentors were based on their strong desire to improve the level of teaching in Israel. Contributing to the future of education was a dominant part of their personal educational philosophy. These insights depict the mentor as a pillar of the teacher training community in Israel. Our findings also indicate that, while a supportive school climate and autonomy in the mentor’s role are factors that promote mentoring practices, a lack of theoretical knowledge about teacher training and a lack of clarity about the mentors’ responsibilities are factors that hinder such practices. It is important to address these factors in order to enhance the desirable variables while decreasing the undesirable ones, in order to translate educational philosophy into stable and sustainable improved teacher training processes.

Building Mathematics Learning through Inquiry Using Student-Generated Data: Lessons Learned from Plan-Do-Study-Act Cycles

This paper describes how plan-do-study-act cycles engaged a classroom mentor teacher and student teacher in a professional collaboration that resulted in two inquiry activities for high-school geometry classes. The PDSA cycles were carried out in four high school geometry classes, each with 30 to 35 students, in a mid-Atlantic urban school district in the U.S. The four geometry classes were co-taught by the second and third authors of this paper. The data consisted of classroom documents (e.g., activity prompts, tasks), classroom observations, student feedback about activities, and monthly PDSA reports. The PDSA cycles had a direct effect on the professional learning of the teachers. The resultant classroom activities used a data collection approach to engaging students in inquiry to learn about trigonometry functions and density. Student learning behaviors were noticeably improved during these activities compared with traditional mathematics instruction. We concluded that the data collection sequence provided an accessible entry point for students to begin scientific inquiry in mathematics. The process opened the conceptual space for students to develop curiosity about mathematical phenomena and to explore their own research questions. The use of culturally relevant topics was especially compelling to students, and the open-ended nature of these exploratory activities allowed students to see mathematics through their own cultural lenses.

Conceptualizing a Mentoring Framework for Samoan and Pacific Island Teachers

As teachers continue to leave the teaching profession Ministries of Education continue to find ways to address this problem. Research indicated mentoring as an effective approach to support novice teachers (Stock & Duncan, 2010) resulting in many countries developing mentoring programs. Research found that teacher mentoring programs positively impact teacher retention (Ingersoll & Strong, 2011), however Tomlinson (2019) argued that there is lack of structure to guide mentors within many mentoring programs. Knight et al. (2014) showed some concerns regarding the practice of those individuals who are involved in mentoring of novice teachers and went on to emphasize the importance of identifying and defining mentoring strategies. Moreover, Will (2017 cited by Tomlinson 2019) stressed the value of quality mentoring and the need for mentors to establish a defined set of mentoring strategies for effective facilitation of professional development of new teachers. In a similar vein, Schwan, Wold, Moon, Neville, and Outka (2020) citing Breaux and Wong, (2003); Callahan (2016); Darling-Hammond (2012; White & Mason, 2003) also stressed the importance of developing organized and meaningful mentoring programs to address the issue of teacher attrition. While numerous studies have been conducted on mentoring programs elsewhere however there is dearth research on a structured and meaningful mentoring program within the Pacific including Samoa. There is a great need to develop a mentoring program within the Samoan context as this can develop mentors’ knowledge and understanding in supporting teachers and to address the teacher attrition problem.

Trends in digital mentoring for language teachers: Promising practices, caveats, and future directions

AbstractThis chapter focuses on the future of mentoring by focusing on digital mentoring of language and TESOL teachers in higher education with a lens on nurturing the faculty‐student dynamic in primarily online/digital/blended teaching contexts. We also focus on a review of recent extant literature from the last ten years (2012‐2022) on the topic in three key categories. The paper draws upon a framework of connectivism and networked knowledge as well as a constructivist approach to learning. A constructivist model for digital mentoring builds on students’ needs, knowledge, and experience, seeing the instructor and student mentoring dynamic in multi‐faceted ways. Mentoring in a digital era draws on frameworks that suggest that mentors and mentees are part of connected communities, especially digitally connected communities. Digital mentoring has been used across both synchronous and asynchronous learning contexts (e.g., email, videoconference, etc.) and increasingly over social media (e.g., Twitter).

Intercultural Mentoring in Higher Education

Intercultural mentoring is increasing in higher education in response to diversification and globalization. While intercultural mentoring relationships experience unique challenges, it can be a development learning opportunity for both mentors and mentees. Therefore, the current article discusses the following aspects of intercultural mentoring relationships in higher education: benefits and challenges, recommendations for effective practice, the role of mentors and mentees in ensuring a successful relationship, and future research frontiers. Mentors and mentees in intercultural mentoring relationships, as well as formal mentoring programs with intercultural mentoring dyads, will benefit from the recommendations offered in the current article.

Introduction to Leading from the Middle in Higher Education: Mentoring

“Leading from the Middle in Higher Education: Mentoring” is a Journal of Leadership Studies Symposium dededicated to the significance of mentoring in higher education, emphasizing the role of mentoring in leadership development for undergraduate and graduate students as well as faculty. To introduce the symposium, the current article provide insights into effective mentoring practices for mentors and mentees. The article delves into the definition of mentoring, both formal and informal, and discusses the benefits of mentoring within higher education. Additionally, it highlights crucial aspects of effective mentors and offers guidance on being an effective mentee.

Learning from Faculty Mentors Who Had to Mentor and Evaluate Teacher Candidates Completing a Remote Practicum in the Early Stages of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Canada

In the Spring of 2020, the COVID-19 global pandemic impacted all aspects of life throughout the world, including education. Teachers who had never taught online before, all of a sudden had one week to get ready to engage with their students in a virtual setting. On top of these changes, our small post-degree Canadian teacher education program had teacher candidates on practicum in K-12 schools. That meant our faculty mentors, responsible for recommending teacher candidates for certification, had to figure out how to mentor, support, and evaluate teacher candidates who were teaching remotely. This research aimed to address the following two questions: a) What were these faculty mentors’ experiences when having to move mentoring of teacher candidates on a remote practicum? and b) What recommendations do these faculty mentors have for teacher education programs trying to support faculty mentors having to mentor teacher candidates who are teaching remotely? Results illustrate challenges with workload, anxiety, screen time, teacher mentors limiting teacher candidate opportunities, and figuring out how to evaluate certification readiness.

Teaching Practicum in English Language Teaching (ELT): A Systematic Review

As a three-handed social process including pre-service teachers, teacher educators from academia, and mentor teachers from schools of practice, teaching practicum, with its reflective and collaborative notions, has recently gained more interest in the field of English language teaching (ELT). In this regard, this systematic review aimed to find out recent research based on teaching practicum in ELT. Regarding the PRISMA guidelines and clear eligibility criteria, the review included a total of 24 research articles based on the ELT teaching practicum. Of the articles, the majority were qualitative studies and mostly conducted in EFL (English as a foreign language) contexts such as Türkiye and Indonesia. MAXQDA (v.2020) software-based content analysis was conducted to analyze data, and the findings were demonstrated via tables including themes, categories, and codes. The study concluded that teaching practicum has several professional (e.g., theoretical and practical awareness, classroom management, and reflective practice) and personal gains (e.g., positive beliefs and attitudes toward ELT, reflectivity, more interaction and communication, and self-confidence) for pre-service ELT teachers. On the other hand, the selected studies also stressed negative professional aspects (e.g., the incompatibility between theory and practice, lack of feedback, and inefficient mentoring) and personal (e.g., lack of reflectivity, adaptation problems, and lack of social contact). The review lastly included implications revealed by these studies to shed light on the issue of ELT practicum for supporting further research.

Evaluation of Arabic Language Teaching Skills of Student Interns at MAN 1 Surakarta from the Perspective of Mentoring Teachers

This research aims to evaluate the teaching skills of twelve students undergoing Field Experience Practice (PPL) in the Islamic Education Program at MAN 1 Surakarta, with a focus on two students teaching Arabic in twelfth-grade classes. The research method used is qualitative descriptive, with a population involving twelve PPL students at MAN 1 Surakarta. The study, conducted for one month, analyzes aspects of personality, written preparation, and the implementation of teaching practice.The results show that both PPL students successfully achieved a high level of teaching skills, aligning with the program's goal to produce professional Islamic Education teachers. The mentor teacher's assessment for the two students was 88, 87, and 86, respectively. Nevertheless, their achievements remained good with total scores of 89, 88, and 87. The conclusion of this research provides a holistic overview of the students' readiness to face real-world challenges in teaching Arabic. This study contributes to understanding the effectiveness of the field practice approach in developing teaching skills for PPL students in the context of Arabic language instruction.

A Letter to My Teacher: Perceptions of Middle School Students and Pre-Service Mathematic Teachers of Their Mentor Teacher

This research was conducted to determine the perceptions of pre-service teachers and middle school students towards mathematics teachers. For this purpose, the perceptions of both the pre-service teachers and students regarding six mathematics teachers were discussed comparatively. The research method is case study. The data of this study were collected through reflective letters of pre-service teachers (f=35) and students of these teachers (f=105) to six middle school mathematics teachers. The collected data were analyzed in the MAXQDA qualitative data analysis program. As a result of the analysis, it was determined that pre-service teachers and middle school students had positive and negative perceptions towards the mentor teacher in the categories of designing the learning-teaching process, attitude and classroom management. When the perceptions of middle school students towards their teachers were examined, it was seen that the positive attitude towards the teacher stanted out. While the students mentioned less about classroom management, it was seen that pre-service teachers talked more about and they were able to evaluate teachers from different perspectives in the context of classroom management. However, it has seen that both pre-service teachers and students have more negative perceptions about the design of the learning-teaching process than positive perceptions. In addition, it was determined that the negative perceptions of the preservice teachers about the mentor teachers standed out, while the students' perceptions of their teachers were more positive.

Lessons from the road less travelled: student teachers' and newly qualified teachers' experiences of mentoring in the Irish further education and training sector

PurposeMentoring processes and relationships can prove crucial to teachers in the initial phases of the teacher education continuum. Limited research exists regarding mentoring in further education and training (FET) in Ireland. This paper attempts to address this gap, illuminating and unpacking the “mentoring stories” of five teachers in FET.Design/methodology/approachThe overall project adopted a narrative approach. Data were collected via in-depth interviews, part of which clearly focussed on participants' lived experience of mentoring. Thematic analysis revealed four overarching themes.FindingsThe themes reveal a spectrum of practices and perspectives on the role of mentors. There are ample instances of collegiality, mutual respect and an appreciation of the professional life stage of the mentee. However, evidently a lack of understanding of who mentors are and what they do persists, leading to some informal approaches and opening up the potential for misinterpretation and misalignment.Originality/valueThis paper sheds light on an area of FET practice that has been relatively unseen before now. It gives voice to those who have experienced mentoring in the Irish FET sector that, to a degree, has seen structural and attitudinal transformations in recent times.

Informal coaching and mentoring and an “informal turn” in teacher professional learning

PurposeThe focus in professional learning is often on formal activities such as workshops, conferences and courses. There is also a tendency to focus on formal programmes of coaching and mentoring in teacher education. Emphasising the formal activities means that everyday informal learning in educational settings is overlooked. Informal coaching and mentoring could be utilised to support teachers' career-long professional learning.Design/methodology/approachThis is a conceptual paper which draws on the author's research and seeks to expand what is considered as professional learning within teacher education – namely, informal coaching and mentoring. To understand how to support this professional learning, the lens of social practice is used with an emphasis on learning environments and learning practices.FindingsCoaching and mentoring can be identified in informal encounters in the staffroom, school corridors and many places and situations. Findings are presented in relation to the importance of informal learning from and with colleagues and the role of headteachers.Originality/valueMore attention has been paid to informal learning, but there is still a need for what could be termed an “informal turn”. Understanding that informal coaching and mentoring afford professional learning opportunities to the teachers who both provide and receive coaching and mentoring can help to support their learning. Recommendations are provided on how educational settings can facilitate and support these professional learning opportunities while preserving their informality.

An intersectional consideration of mentoring in public administration

ABSTRACTThis study uses qualitative thematic analysis to explore intersectionality in public administration higher education mentoring. The authors consider mentoring today, questioning our ability to effectively mentor students and faculty across their professional career timelines within the context of their unique intersectionalities. This discussion helps lead to a powerful message about how best to navigate academic mentoring for faculty. Mentoring represents the convergence of numerous dynamic elements (i.e. intersectional attributes, program structures, career stage, etc.) that contributes to and influences the relationship that exists between the mentor and mentee. Mentoring, whether formal or informal, can play a huge role in the academic experience. It can contribute to the learning process and assist with career advancement. Mentoring through the lens of intersectionality can help individuals navigate barriers and obstacles, particularly as the workplace becomes more demographically diverse.

Investigating Pre-Service Teachers’ Perspectives on Classroom Management Strategies Demonstrated by Mentor Teachers

The purpose of this study is to investigate the perceptions of pre-service teachers regarding classroom management strategies employed by practicum instructors in school experience courses. This cross-sectional investigation was conducted with 245 pre-service teachers from various university departments. The study's data was collected via "Classroom Management Strategies Evaluation Scale". The scale had a Cronbach Alpha reliability coefficient of 0.94. For data analysis, descriptive statistics, the t-test, and one-way ANOVA were used. According to research findings, the gender of pre-service teachers, the gender of practice teachers, and the seniority of practice teachers had no significant impact on their opinions regarding the classroom management strategies used by practice teachers. However, the degree program that pre-service teachers attended and their grade point average had a significant impact on their opinions.

Registered nurses' cultural orientation competence for culturally and linguistically diverse nurses in the hospital setting: A cross-sectional study.

To explore registered nurses' cultural orientation competence profiles for providing culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) nurses with orientation in the hospital setting, and to identify which factors are associated with cultural orientation competence profiles. A descriptive, explorative cross-sectional study. Data were collected from December 2020 to January 2021 using the Preceptors' Orientation Competence Instrument (POCI) and Preceptors' Cultural Orientation Competence Instrument (POCCI). A total of 844 registered nurses from one university hospital district in Finland participated, reflecting a response rate of 10%. A K-means cluster algorithm was employed to identify different cultural orientation competence profiles. The cluster analysis identified three cultural orientation competence profiles (A, B and C). Nurses in Profile A evaluated their cultural orientation competence the highest, with members of profiles B and C demonstrating the second highest and lowest, respectively, cultural orientation competence scores. Several factors were associated with cultural orientation competence profiles, namely, orientation education and student mentoring education, support from managers and colleagues, motivation, willingness to act as a preceptor, time to provide orientation, sufficient clinical and theoretical nursing skills and current work title. Cultural diversity and acceptance of it can be enhanced by building accepting culture towards new incomers and offering continuing education to improve the cultural competence of staff, which can further benefit patient care of CALD patients. Orientation practices can be improved by rewarding staff and building collaborative teamwork culture. Organizations can strengthen nurses' cultural orientation competence; for example, by providing adequate orientation education and allocating more time to the orientation process. The STROBE criteria were used to report the results of the observations critically. No patient or public contribution.

Implementation of Adaptive Physical Education at the Inclusive Organizing School in Martapura District

This study aims to determine how far adaptive physical education is implemented in inclusive schools. This research uses descriptive qualitative research with a case study model. Collecting data using techniques The interview used is the unstructured interview and observation. The subjects of this study were school principals, adaptive physical education teachers and special mentor teachers (GPK), and children with special needs students. Data analysis used is data reduction, data display, and conclusion. The results showed that the formulation of learning objectives was clear but not by conditions such as challenges in planning and implementing adaptive physical education programs, such as limited infrastructure and lack of teacher knowledge in accommodating the needs of students with special needs. This study suggests the need to improve the quality of syllabus programs and lesson plans to meet the needs of students with special needs and for teachers to receive special training in adaptive physical education. This study also recommends providing adequate infrastructure and facilities and promoting inclusive education.

Teacher Mentorship and Support in Kenya: A Desktop Review

Teacher mentorship and support programmes enable teachers to engage in ongoing professional learning and develop required competencies. This exploratory study was designed to provide baseline information on existing teacher mentorship and support programmes in Kenya. The study sought to provide background information towards the implementation of participatory action research on the strengthening in-service teacher training (SITT) project funded by the International Development and Research Centre (IDRC). The study adopted an integrative and holistic approach that involved a review of government policy documents, circulars and reports, articles published in refereed journals and grey material to enable map existing teacher mentorship and support programmes in Kenya. The study sought to; describe the theoretical background of teacher mentorship and to document existing in-service teacher mentorship and support programmes in Kenya. Various in-service teacher mentorship and support programmes exist in Kenya. However, the majority of the programmes were funded and implemented by non-governmental organisations. The existing mentorship programmes were uncoordinated and lacked a follow-up mechanism, thus making them less effective.

Identity (Re)Construction of Turkish Pre-service Language Teachers during the Practicum

Teacher identity has been prioritized in current research related to teacher education in order to understand teaching and learning context. This case study investigates identity (re)construction of three pre-service English teachers during the practicum. Drawing on sociocultural theory, how pre-service teachers constructed their identities and enacted their agencies in the field school was examined based on the narratives of the participants. Data collection tools included reflective papers and semi-structured interviews with the participants. Analysis of the qualitative data revealed the following themes related to identity formation of pre-service teachers during the practicum: their imagined selves (Wenger, 1998), the practicum as shaping their identity, and directions for future selves as a result of practicum experience. It was found that previous experiences of the participants as language learners and interaction with the parties including mentor teacher and students in the field school had both positive and negative impacts on identity formation of pre-service teachers. Findings of the study is expected to contribute to the relevant literature, and suggestions are presented for further studies.

Respect as a critical reflexive practice during induction: exploring mentor teachers’ conceptions of respect

ABSTRACT Newly Qualified Teachers (NQTs) are often required to place a high priority on the value of respect within their first year as a beginning teacher. The practice of respect is a central issue within the educational discourse (Mills 2020) and mentor teachers of NQTs have a vital role in cultivating and problematising their understanding of respect. This study focuses on how experienced mentor teachers (n = 54) conceive the practice of respect within the complex, assumed, and often subtle dynamics of differential power relations in school settings. Mentor teachers’ responses were analysed through a critical Habermasian perspective and further developed within this article as a productive taxonomy. The critical reflexive stance adopted offers teacher educators and mentor teachers an explanatory and sensitised framework to highlight for NQTs the recondite nature of power relations and the centrality of discourses for co-inquiry, care, and critique within the practice of respect.