I know some of you were confused about the use of the word "academic mentor" after the orientation. I would like to shed some light on the definition of the academic mentor as I envision it:
As an academic mentor, you don't simply teach the material, you go beyond that: you help students understand WHAT their difficulties are, HELP them work through these problems, and CHECK their understanding and ability to apply this knowledge in different settings.
As an academic mentor, you assist students with how to learn college-level content. You show study techniques how to understand and remember difficult material.In this role, it is okay not to know answers to all questions, but it is essential to guide students where they can get that information.
As an academic mentor, you apply the growth mindset approach to your work with students. You encourage effort, value hard work and welcome mistakes. As an academic mentor, you help students develop into independent, responsible, lifelong learners.
As an academic mentor, you relate to the student and share the stories of your own. For instance, how you went to see a professor for the first time, what your first month in college looked like, etc.
As an academic mentor, you assume the role of a model and guide your students in other ways to become successful in college - by linking them with resources, helping overcome fear of the professor, etc.
As an academic mentor, you maintain the balance between a friend and an authority.
What being an academic mentor means to you? If you have any additions or specific examples from your work with students, please add them in comments.
As an academic mentor, you don't simply teach the material, you go beyond that: you help students understand WHAT their difficulties are, HELP them work through these problems, and CHECK their understanding and ability to apply this knowledge in different settings.
As an academic mentor, you assist students with how to learn college-level content. You show study techniques how to understand and remember difficult material.In this role, it is okay not to know answers to all questions, but it is essential to guide students where they can get that information.
As an academic mentor, you apply the growth mindset approach to your work with students. You encourage effort, value hard work and welcome mistakes. As an academic mentor, you help students develop into independent, responsible, lifelong learners.
As an academic mentor, you relate to the student and share the stories of your own. For instance, how you went to see a professor for the first time, what your first month in college looked like, etc.
As an academic mentor, you assume the role of a model and guide your students in other ways to become successful in college - by linking them with resources, helping overcome fear of the professor, etc.
As an academic mentor, you maintain the balance between a friend and an authority.
What being an academic mentor means to you? If you have any additions or specific examples from your work with students, please add them in comments.
