It seems like forever since I have seen everybody!
Two Fridays ago I attended the “Underprepared vs. Underperforming” session of the Learning Institute. During this session we discussed the differences between students underperforming verse underpreparing. I thought it was very interesting to be in a group with teachers and students because it brought about a different view about students and how they perform in the classroom and what causes the behaviors students show.
The next day I attended ISLE which I found to be very interesting because the “Date Doctor” was very entertaining to listen to and I had no voice so that was interesting also. He had some very interesting views on relationships and tips about living life from day to day. The little activity he had us do in the first session opened my eyes to how we relate with each other without even knowing it.
In the readings for this week, we learned about the many different roles we will have to play as we become a peer mentor and how important they are to those that we are mentoring. One role that peer mentors play that I had never thought about, is being a trusted friend. I knew it was important to be a friend, however I had never really thought about how important it is to be trusted. If the mentees do not trust their mentors they will never go to them about anything or ask for help. Something else I had never thought of as being something that would be important is the habits I have in my everyday life. My study, work, thinking, and planning habits can have an effect on the relationship between me and my mentees, so I am going to start trying to make good habits now, so I don’t have to worry about it next year.
I think being a trusted friend is the hardest role we have to do as mentors. We need to be on good terms with the students, and have their trust. I thought I was more effective as a mentor with the students I was closer too. On the flip side of that, you can't become "friends" with your mentees. You need to keep some distance, in order for them to still look up to you for things.
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ReplyDeleteGood post, Karen. In the future, please complete your post by Sunday evening to allow your peers ample time to post. -Allie
ReplyDeleteI also found the Underperforming session interesting. It was great to have the different views and opinions in the room. Also it is a good thing that you are focusing on your habits. Don't do it only for the mentees, do it for yourself. Have a good week!
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