Student mentor training - advanced level

 

These training materials have been prepared to support tutors who will be delivering training to students working on outreach and retention projects.

The materials have been divided into a number of sections which can be used as individual stand-alone modules or can be delivered as a whole, depending on the needs and requirements of the project and the staff responsible for delivering the training.

Included in most of the sections are materials which can be delivered to students as they are or can be used as a starting point to help staff develop their own training programmes. There are also some suggestions for activities to support the student learning.

This training is designed to follow on from the initial on-line mentor training. All students are expected to have completed this training before taking any of the following sessions.

 

Introduction to the student mentor scheme

This section gives an overall introduction to the roles and duties of a student mentor and outlines how the training is designed to give the student mentors a greater confidence and understanding of the role.

What is mentoring?

This section is designed to help students who will be working on a one to one or group level with young people either on campus or in schools and colleges. It explains the broad definition of the term and the wide range of activities that mentoring covers at the University of Worcester.

Building and managing the Mentoring relationship

This section of the mentor training aims to show the student the importance of empathy and rapport in building a good mentoring relationship. It also give gives ideas on managing the relationship.

The learning process

This helps the student mentor understand that people have different ways of learning and the importance of helping young people to recognise learning blocks and their causes.

Listening skills

This explores the importance of being a good listener. Listening is a vital skill, it builds trust and encourages problem solving but it takes practice.

Questioning skills

Questioning, if used effectively, is a very useful and powerful tool. It allows the mentee–mentor relationship to develop, assisting the mentee in exploring and understanding their experiences with the hope of formulating avenues and actions.

Giving presentations

It is common for Outreach Ambassadors to give presentations either about their own subject area or concerning general information about university life or Higher Education. This section gives ideas and advice on delivering a successful presentation.

Working with groups

Tips and ideas to help the student mentor run successful group sessions.

Building confidence in young people

An important aspect of the role of a mentor is to build the self-belief of the people being mentored.  This gives guidance on how they can help with this.

Child protection and safeguarding

This introduces the student to the issues they should be aware of and the procedures to follow relating to child protection and safeguarding.

(The University policy on safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults should be read & can be found on the personnel pages of the University website: http://www.worc.ac.uk/personnel/720.htm)

Equality and diversity

Overview of what is meant by equality and diversity and what the University expects of its staff.

(More information on the University Diversity and Equality framework can be found on the personnel pages of the University of Worcester website: http://www.worc.ac.uk/personnel/655.htm)

Evaluation and assessment of Student Mentors

Evaluation is an important part of any project to ensure quality outcomes are achieved. Part of the evaluation process will be to review the performance and effectiveness of the students employed on the project. The process should also include an element of self-evaluation by the students.