Developing research potential through a structured mentoring program: Issues arising

Author(s): McCormack, C.

Journal/Book: Higher Educ. 1997; 33: Spuiboulevard 50, PO Box 17, 3300 AA Dordrecht, Netherlands. Kluwer Academic Publ. 251-264.

Abstract: Changes in higher education have meant that academics originally in institutions without a strong research culture are now being called upon to raise their level of research activity. These institutions have implemented a range of strategies to support their academic staff making this transition. One program to develop research potential of staff is reported in this paper. It involved matching inexperienced researchers with experienced researchers who acted in a mentoring role. The individual mentoring was supplemented with a two day workshop covering research skills and also providing an opportunity to focus on the issues, questions and projects of the participants. An evaluation of the program revealed that participants benefited from the support provided by their peers in the program as well as from the support provided by the mentors. The mentors assisted the participants with specific aspects of their research and also with the social and political aspects of research involvement. The program legitimated the helping relationship established between participants and mentors.

Note: Article Johnston S, Univ Canberra, Ctr Enhancement Learning Teaching & Scholarship, Belconnen, Act 2616, AUSTRALIA

Keyword(s): FACULTY

Zurück | Weiter