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 The EL Alliance is supported through the National Science Foundation's Directorate for Computer and Information Science (CISE) and Engineering's Broadening Participation in Computing (BPC) program. |
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| Resources: Advice for New Mentors
For most people, good mentoring, like good teaching, is a skill that is developed over time. Here are a few tips for beginners:
- Listen patiently. Give the student time to get to issues they find sensitive or embarrassing.
- Build a relationship. Simple joint activities -- walks across campus, informal conversations over coffee, attending a lecture together -- will help to develop rapport. Take cues from the student as to how close they wish this relationship to be.
- Don't abuse your authority. Don't ask students to do personal work, such as mowing lawns, baby-sitting, and typing.
- Nurture self-sufficiency. Your goal is not to "clone" yourself, but to encourage confidence and independent thinking.
- Establish "protected time" together. Try to minimize interruptions by telephone calls or visitors.
- Share yourself. Invite students to see what you do, both on and off the job. Tell of your own successes and failures. Let the student see your human side and encourage the student to reciprocate.
- Provide introductions. Help the student develop a professional network and build a community of mentors.
- Be constructive. Critical feedback is essential to spur improvement, but do it kindly and temper criticism with praise when deserved.
- Don't be overbearing. Avoid dictating choices or controlling a student's behavior.
- Find your own mentors. New advisers, like new students, benefit from guidance by those with more experience.
These tips are from the American Chemical Society's Project Seed: Student, Mentor and Coordinator Handbook
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