Dear WA
I hope everyone is well and wishing you a really restful festive break when it comes around! For this final bitesize research article of T2, I was interested to read a study about the importance and power of informal mentors in the lives of young people.
Objectives: To understand the impact of informal mentoring on the lives of young people.
Summary:
This study argues that informal mentoring is classified as relationships forged by young people and their teachers, sports coaches or other professionals working within their schools.
Using a large set of longitudinal data, this study states that 15% of young people stated that their most important mentors were teachers or sports coaches in their lives.
The authors argue that these kinds of relationships have a significant impact on the lives of young people, including in their attainment, and in their likelihood of going to university.
They also argue that the impact of these kinds of relationships are amplified for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, as well as in schools where students have a strong sense of belonging.
How does this impact me and my practice?: Some reflections arising from this that might be helpful to consider are:
Does the idea of informal mentoring resonate with me? Have I had an informal mentor? Do I act as one for any students?
How might this impact my conception of being a tutor?
What support might I need to do this kind of work more effectively?
Please do get in touch if you would like to talk further about this - I’d love to hear from you!
Thanks, Jaya
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