Telementoring

From ElateWiki

1 Overview
2 Research Findings
3 See Also
4 References

Overview

Telementoring is the practice of developing mentorship relationships between students and those with more experience in areas compatible with their studies. In general, telementors are geographically removed from their students and may be asked to develop an email or telephone relationship. Often, telementoring is supported with a website where student assignments are posted. The telementor may access the material and provide feedback to the student. This real-world contact and ongoing feedback motivates students to perform at higher levels and to understand the value in assignments they have been asked to complete. In general, telementoring increases student enthusiasm for an activity and gives students a sense that their work will be shared beyond the walls of the classroom. Immediate feedback from a telementor provides motivation and gives students an incentive to perform at higher levels.

Research Findings

Research in telementoring suggests the following factors play an important role in ensuring success:

Frequency of contact is very important. Students and mentors need to interact regularly. Prolonged periods of silence may be interpreted by students to indicate disinterest.
Preparation such as learning goals, definition of specific deliverables, teacher involvement with both students and mentors, and an orderly initiation of the process are all helpful.
Mentor-Student matching is crucial. Research seems to indicate that the involvement of the student during the matching activity helps bring about higher levels of ‘buy-in’ and results in stronger relationships.
Mentors which share both personal and career details seem to have higher success rates.