Importance of mentorship in Education

 Why is mentorship important in education?

Mentoring is an important development activity that can have a positive influence on the growth and professional development of those involved in a mentoring relationship, but more so the person being mentored. Mentorship in education helps students increase their self-confidence and increase their self-esteem. According to researchers mentored students tend to be more aware of suitable career paths to embark on. Learners who are well guided realize talents and skills in them and know how to use it. It is mentored learners that develop into great leaders, because of the leadership skills they receive during mentorship seminars, trainings and workshops.  

In the picture above is female learners from a certain school in Windhoek being mentored on the importance of sanitary pads for a girl in school.

  Mentorship is important for the following.

Align expectations: Mentors make expectations explicit and create a safe space for mentees to make their expectations explicit. Together they engage in negotiations to ensure that expectations of all parties can be met.

Assess understanding: Mentors work with mentees to understand what the mentees know and are capable of and consider what the mentees can do to further develop and achieve success.

Communicate effectively: Mentors engage in active listening with mentees, provide timely and constructive feedback, recognize that communication styles differ, and work with mentees to accommodate their personal communication styles.

Address equity and inclusion: Mentors reflect on and account for the biases and assumptions they may bring to a mentoring relationship and acknowledge and account for how their background might differ from the background of their mentees.

Foster independence: Mentors work to motivate mentees, build their confidence, stimulate their creativity, acknowledge their contributions, and navigate their path toward independence.

Promote professional development: Mentors help mentees to set career goals, develop and refine plans related to career goals, develop a professional network, and access resources that will be helpful in their professional development. Mentors also recognize the influence they have as a professional role model.

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