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Module 2: What is Mentoring?
Introduction Initial Assessment Module 1: The Promise and Potential of Mentoring Module 2: What is Mentoring? Module 3: The Predictable Cycle of Mentoring Module 4: Qualities of an Effective Mentor Module 5: Mentoring Young Innovators: Learning and Motivation Module 6: Mentoring Tips Final Assessment
Module Introduction
Introduction
What is Mentoring?
Learning
Trust-based
A Partnership
Goal-Focused
Development
What Mentoring Is Not
Module 2 Recap
Module 2 Quiz

Trust-based

All relationships are based on trust. To make mentoring work, mentors must start by building trust, but doing so with a child can be just as challenging as creating a trusting relationship with another adult.

 

Trust creates the safe space that motivates, inspires, and supports learning and development. As a mentor, you need to continually work at establishing, maintaining and strengthening trust throughout your relationship.

 

Finally, not every mentee trusts in the same way or at the same speed. You need to lead the way by being trusting yourself.

Trust is the foundation of a solid mentoring relationship.

 

Q: Why is trust important?

 

A: Trust is the substance of all successful relationships… Without trust, relationships become tense and people become self-protective. Successful mentoring relationships absolutely depend on it.

 

---Edward Scott, Associate District Coordinator, Michigan State University Extension

Trust must be continuously built and nurtured.

 

Q: What are some things you can do to start and then continue to build trust between mentor and mentee throughout the mentoring relationship?

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Here are some practical strategies in response to that question from two of our contributing mentor-librarians. You'll see confirmation and expansion of their ideas as you go through this training

 

  • Make time for them within your schedule and respect the time they spend with you by giving him/her the attention s/he deserves.
  • Always present positive feedback, and provide constructive criticism in a respectful way.
  • Answer any questions to the best of your ability. If you don't know the answer, look into it.

 

Brianne Stewart, Librarian, JHs 216Q George J. Ryan, Queens, NY

 

  • Be available for consultation by email or during the student's free periods,
  • Greet the student in a friendly way when seen in other contexts (but do not be "too familiar"),
  • Follow the student's lead when interacting - if their peers do not know that you are the student's mentor, do not discuss in front of other students
  • Respect confidentiality
  • Do not give unsolicited advice.
  • Do not judge.

 

Shelley Stedman, Librarian, New Fairfield Middle School, New Fairfield, CT

Six Ways to Build a Trusting Relationship with Your Mentees

Here are six additional ideas that help you to build trust with your mentee: 

 

  1. Take time to get to know your mentee before diving into the learning.
  2. Don't hesitate to share yourself and your stories with your mentee.
  3. Make it about them. Ask them to tell you their story and listen.
  4. Ask questions instead of giving information or advice.
  5. When giving feedback, start on a positive note; provide encouraging feedback that balances compassion and candor.
  6. Let your mentee know how they are doing.

Often, a mentee can be very nervous about meeting his or her mentor for the first time. In these instances, it is helpful to have an activity prepared to help break the ice.

 

For example, on an index card, have you and your mentee each write down a series of fun facts about yourself in different corners of the card. Then, share and discuss the answers with each other!

 

For other fun ice-breaker ideas for you to use with your mentee, check out this article by the Virginia Mentoring Partnership!

Trust-building Behaviors

How you act when you are meeting with your mentee conveys that sense of trust as vividly as your words. Here are some trust-building behaviors to consider:

 

  • Listen…when your mentee is speaking.
  • Be respectful…of their feelings and ideas.
  • Share information…that is appropriate.
  • Be candid and honest…to build credibility.
  • Don't assume…ask and clarify.
  • Manage your emotions…even when you are frustrated.
  • Follow through…with commitments you make.
  • Acknowledge and own mistakes…when you make them.
  • Don't take things personally…they are rarely meant that way.

The Innovation Destination

 

The Innovation Destination was designed and evaluated by a team from the Center for Digital Literacy at the School of Information Studies, Syracuse University and developed by Data Momentum Inc, in partnership with the Connecticut Invention Convention, By Kids for Kids, New York On Tech, and over 70 school librarians and young innovators.

This site has been serving the youth invention community from 2015 - present.

 

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