Mentoring Tips and Tricks

[Andrew Schreiber]

Originally Posted by IKE

No seriously, FTC has a mentor manual, and it is pretty good (though I do expect Andrew to take issues with Item 6* on the 12 principles of being a mentor).
I had to double check the manual as I had it stuck somewhere in my head that FTC mentors were actually forbidden to do, and could only ask/guide. I could not find it in the recent mentor manual.


*Extra Super Mentor Search Function Bonus:
Andrew is on the record in a thread alling out Item 6 as a "tool". In the same thread, a really cool mentor mentions that Andrew & friends should do a white paper on the topic that initiated the use of Item 6.

Proof that Andrew has made huge improvements from the previous thread to date could be the hosting of a very recent webcast. While not exactly a white-paper, it probably will reach more students/other mentors than a white paper would.

**I will pass on some greenie rep to anyone who is able to find links to the topics I mentioned.

I remember that thread... Should I really be encouraging people to find threads where I'm a jerk? Eh, what the heck, I can always do with a good reminding of my mistakes.

You're right though, I do take issue with #6 as I do still feel that, for some students, sarcasm is a great teaching tool. It breaks the ice and helps to move from the Teacher role into the mentor role. However, for some students it is terribly detrimental. I know when I was a student sarcasm would sometimes get through to me.


Ike, you're thinking of FLL where mentors are forbidden from doing.

Twelve Basic Guidelines for Mentors
1. Be a mixture of best friend, honest guide and coolest teacher.
2. Avoid the temptation to do the work or to deprive team members of the chance to discover the right the answer on their own. Mentors should guide a team without directing it. This creates the best learning and growth experiences for team members.
3. A Mentor’s behavior and attitude can and will influence how a team chooses to respond to the environment around them throughout the season and at events. Demonstrate and encourage Gracious Professionalism™ at all times.
4. Foster discussions between all team members and groups. Discussions are critical for effective brainstorming and strategy
development.
5. Patience is a necessity. Practice it, especially with the most trying of students.
6. Never use sarcasm while teaching or helping someone. A good Mentor never resorts to sarcasm and anger to hasten the process of learning.
7. Mentoring is a two-way street. It is as much a job for a teacher as it is for a learner. Practice both with equal humility.
8. Never let students indulge in fruitless activities during learning hours. Find something to teach in all activities and try to make every activity an educational experience.
9. Infuse enthusiasm in every activity and part of the challenge. To spur creativity, mix humour and a passion for learning and discovery.
10. Get involved in technical and non-technical experiences. Be supportive to students in both regards.
11. Be the team’s best cheerleader, enthusiast, leader, and friend. Happy teams win many accolades and learn the most.
12. Forging relationships and gaining friends are far more valuable experiences than participating on an unhappy team and gaining meaningless trophies