Mentoring teachers using social networks

Graham StanleyBritish Council, Barcelona

graham.stanley@britishcouncil.es

aPLaNet conference

22nd September 2012

Disclaimer: The aPLaNet project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This document reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.

The aPLaNet project is a European Union funded project for language educators all over the Europe, especially those who are new or do not use Internet social networks (SN) but wish to learn more and build their own Personal Learning Network (PLN) for professional development purposes.

Find out more here:http://aplanet-project.eu

about aPLaNet

Disclaimer: The aPLaNet project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This document reflects the views onlyof the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.

What is a mentor?

Disclaimer: The aPLaNet project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This document reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.

Originally a Greek word, originating from the name of a character in Homer's Odyssey who acts as a guide to Telemachus in his quest to find his father

What is a mentor?

“...one who fulfils the office which the supposed Mentor fulfilled towards

Telemachus”

“an experienced and trusted advisor”

(Oxford English dictionary)

Mentor vs Teacher vs Coach?

Disclaimer: The aPLaNet project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This document reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.

Mentor vs Teacher vs Coach

'Unlike a teacher or even a coach, who is focused on helping us learn and practice a particular set of skills, a mentor acts as a guide who helps us define and understand our own goals and pursue them successfully.' (The Mentee's Guide, L. Zachary, 2009)

http://www.esn-vuniverse.nl/

The role of the mentorIn language teaching

Disclaimer: The aPLaNet project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This document reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/arielmeow/

2424795959/

Good mentoring...

...depends on a reciprocal learning relationship...involves establishing rapport rapidly...is founded on mutually defined goals...requires skill in noticing and interpreting teaching and learning opportunities...encourages autonomous learning and self-evaluation...is able to link theory and practice in personally significant ways

Disclaimer: The aPLaNet project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This document reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.

The mentor's tasks

to facilitate the development of self-awareness in mentees

to build confidence of the mentees

to observe and notice aspects of learning and teaching events

to respond appropriately to these events

to encourage the mentee to engage in reflective practice

Disclaimer: The aPLaNet project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This document reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.

aPLaNet mentor

Helping mentees with learning technologyOnline mentoring not face-to-face

Disclaimer: The aPLaNet project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This document reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/pacensepatoso/4287743871/

Factors to consider

Choice of ICT tools for communication comfortable - competent

Use of tools to build rapport and promote and facilitate learning

Level of commitment from the beginning easier to back out of an e-relationship

potential for miscommunicationpeople are easily distracted online

Disclaimer: The aPLaNet project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This document reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.

APLaNet Mentoring pilot

85 volunteer mentorsfrom 24 countries

61 menteesfrom 16 countries

Feedback

Disclaimer: The aPLaNet project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This document reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.

APLaNet Online Mentoring resources

aPLaNet Mentor/Mentee Guides

http://aplanet-project.org