First Reflection

FIRST REFLECTION: CHEC COURSE

I provide mentorship training to students and we are engaged in a number of interactive activities such as group discussions, working in pairs and group oral presentations.  I think using technology can deepen students’ participation and enhance the training. During our training workshop I think we need more visual and auditory engagement.

Just recently I came across a you tube video concerning peer mentorship, which I thought students would be able to identify with. The purpose of the video was to allow students to identify with other mentors and to clarify what their roles as mentors are. The video focused on other peer mentors engaged in a similar programme and showed images of students learning and interacting at a University. It also highlighted the lecturers’ views on peer mentorship programmes. I prefer showing short 5-10 minutes video to mentors as the intention of the video is to augment the training workshop rather than a lecture or formal presentation. I also prefer showing videos made by other students so that mentors are able to identify with it.

As a teaching strategy this video enabled me to show the significance of the role of mentors and to explain what mentors should do and how they should participate in the mentoring. Students gave me feedback about what they learnt from the video and highlighted important points made in the video. The video set a positive tone to the workshop.

 I think that it is important to ask key questions to students after the video, e.g.  

·         What are the important points that were relevant to you?

·         What did you find useful in the video?

·         What did you find irrelevant?

·         What did you not like about the video?

·         How could you use the ideas in the video to assist you in your mentoring?

·         For homework mentors could write a summary of the video highlighting the main points.

The mentors are also expected to stay in contact with mentees via SMS or MXit after the training. I would like to incorporate the use of cell phone and MXit in my training. I would like to focus on:

·         The value of using SMS and MXit

·         How to use the SMS or MXit effectively?

·         As mentors is it appropriate to use SMS or MXit anytime ,  anywhere?

·         What tone should one use as mentors in SMS and MXit messages?

·         If mentees do not respond what does it mean?

·         What is the significance of social presence via SMS and MXit?

I would like to explore the nature of SMS contact on the mentoring programme. I would draw from the themes that arose during SMS and MXit contact and highlight the factors that affect their learning. My initial thoughts about SMS and MXit are that this form of communication that would enable mentors to give practical advice, show encouragement that the affective issues are supported and it would ensure that the mentors and mentees feel connected. The messages are instant and mentees would feel more compelled to respond. I intend to have a focus group discussion with mentors to find out what their thoughts are about using SMS and MXit.