Mentoring: start here


Mentorship refers to a personal developmental relationship in which a more experienced or more knowledgeable person helps a less experienced or less knowledgeable person. The roots of the practice are lost in antiquity. 

The word itself was inspired by the character. Mentor in Homer's Odyssey. Though the actual Mentor in the story is a somewhat ineffective old man, the Goddess Athena takes on his appearance in order to guide young Telmanchus in his time of difficulty.

'In Post-Compulsory education and training mentors are skilled, experienced teachers who are involved in supporting trainees in practical ways.' (Cunningham 2005)

Each tab at the top of this blog introduces an idea about mentoring. I recommend you read them in order: 
  • Mentoring Relationships
  • Mentoring Models
  • Observation
  • Mentoring Strategies
  • Developing your Mentor
  • Reflections on Mentoring
  • What next? 
There is a tab with recommended reading and websites. Read this when you are ready. 
  • Reading
Once you have completed the activities recommended through this site, there is advice about how you might approach gaining accreditation for your hard work and offering guidance on what to do next
  • Accreditation
  • What next
I hope you enjoy the course. 
Now try the activity on the tab on the left - Mentoring: an introduction