Student mentoring

Student mentoring programs can have powerful and lasting positive effects on students. Research has shown a young person's connection with a caring adult can improve student wellbeing and educational outcomes.

Student mentoring - Marcello and Butch

Transcript - Student mentoring Marcello and Butch

Advantages of mentoring

Mentoring programs offer:

  • relevance: it is student-centred and can be personalised
  • flexibility: it can be tailored to school context and meet varied needs
  • complementary: it supports other methods of learning and wellbeing
  • feedback: it provides a sounding board to encourage reflection and understanding
  • empowerment: students develop confidence and skills.

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What the research says

Well managed student mentoring programs can have far-reaching outcomes that extend beyond individual students and positively influence the school and broader community.

When mentors and students form a trusting relationship, positive outcomes can include:

  • increased confidence and communication skills
  • improved engagement with learning and school
  • social skills, values and character strengths are enhanced
  • students are supported to develop plans for the future
  • students expand awareness and knowledge of employment and training opportunities.

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Mentoring programs

Successful mentoring programs incorporate a set of best practice principles including establishing a clear purpose, structured mentoring arrangements and clear rules and boundaries for mentoring relationships.

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Mentoring relationships

Mentors require high levels of commitment and a range of communication and relational skills. Providing mentors with training and supervision will support them to build positive relationships with their student mentees.

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Mentoring Resources

Access mentoring resources to support school planning.

Topics:

  • Student voice
  • Student voices
  • Wellbeing
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