Mentorship Program
It may be a good idea for students to develop a mentorship program so that new students will have a go to person to talk to about concerns with the program they are in.
Jennifer ,
How are your peer mentors chosen and/or trained? What are their responsibilities?
Susan Backofen
We have a peer mentor program at our school and it works fabulous. Often times the students don't feel comfortable with going to instructors for help but they will feel good about working with another student. Then the peer mentor feels rewarded for helping another student. It's just all around an awesome thing to incorporate because it encourages both students.
Jason,
Perhaps using faculty/staff or recent graduates would be useful. Someone who could touch base every few weeks and just make sure things are going along well.
Susan Backofen
Mentoring has been a very effective tool for some of my students. I have found that the students who really want the extra help are more than happy to get involved in mentoring. A lot of it has to do with the way the program is promoted in the school. If you can get a few students excited and involved than a lot of times the other students will also want to be involved.
Our program is quite quick, and the students move through each class at a 6 week interval. How would you suggest getting something like this in place that can provide continuity as the faces change so frequently?
David--
I agree...the closer to graduation they are, but busier they are. Sometimes providing them with recognition and/or an incentive to do the mentoring is effective. If it is something they can put on their resume as an award or recognition/honor they are more likely to participate.
Susan
I think this is a very good idea for senior students to mentor newer students. The problem I have experienced is getting the senior students involved - especially if they work, go to school, and have a family.
Mentoring is an excellent way to keep students encouraged and on task.
I think a mentorship program is a must for all students,because it hepls them with their skills on all levels.
