Mentoring the Mentor

I just read an article called Mentoring the Mentors in the College Student Journal. It identifies various practices used to set up a mentoring program between MD-PhD. students and undergraduates. The program identified that reflective practice for both mentors and mentees is essential. The mentors used a number of tools to promote active listening. This included an exercise called “Chalk Talk” which was done in silence, with all participants identifying the qualities of a good mentor. This activity helped them to recognize the similarities in their expectations. Group activities promoted active listening. Games such as “two truths and a lie” reinforced the skill.  Strategies included teaching the mentors to ask open-ended questions of their mentees, rather than simply providing an answer.  Mentors were also encouraged to bounce ideas off each other. The article identifies that mentoring is a learned skill and sound listening skills are essential for the process to be successful.        

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