Student Talk — Mentoring
Mission Mentor Some of our young readers express their viewpoints on the importance of mentorship for students. I am in standard X and feel that there is a dearth of guidance offered to students to help them choose the right careers. I am afraid that, after my board exams, I may end up in a state of confusion over which stream I should study — arts, science or commerce — if I don’t get the right mentorship. It is important that we, students, are provided wholesome counselling and educa education. After all, apart from o our parents, it’s only teac teachers who spend so much time with us and mu kknow us so well. That iis why I suggest we have some one-onone sessions before our board exams, in which each teacher w is assigned one or two students and then tw patiently listens to what patie these sstudents have to say. Based on tthese conversations, teachers can find out the students’ aptitudes and interests and guide them accordingly. — ROHAN (STANDARD X)
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I am strongly in favour of mentoring, and here’s how I feel it needs to be done: • Apart from patiently and keenly listening to us, an teachers should also provide teac us with wit constructive feedback and take interest in our intra- and extracurricular activities. The connection should go beyond the academic to a social and emotional one. Teacher mentors should especially be part of those school occasions where our parents are unable to be present. Also, in case of children whose parents do not have the time or expertise to discuss their future with them, teachers should step in to guide these children. A few other rules for mentoring: being youth-driven and non-judgemental, respecting differences, providing encouragement as well as guidance, and being realistic. Basically, the student should look at the teacher as a wise, reliable and trustworthy friend. During our mentoring sessions, teachers can take us for a walk, have lunch with us, make us talk about our favourite book or movie, play games, or draw and paint with us. They will have to be patient.
Needless to say, mentoring students also has a positive impact on their marks. But even more important for teachers is investment in social capital. Hence, apart from teaching us, teachers should assume the role of a mentor and give priority to building strong communication channels with each of us. — KUNAL (STANDARD X)
I am an avid volleyball player and, at the same time, excel in studies.. Constantly, I am faced with the dilemma of choosing between the two.. People tell me that I must focus only on my studies, but my sports coach h believes that I am not devoting enough time to volleyball practice. I need guidance, as I don’t know what to choose. I am confident that myy teacher can help me out there, but considering the number of studentss per class, will she be able to give me her undivided attention for even a few minutes? I feel that every school should conduct ‘Mentoring Day’ once a week or fortnight, a day when each teacher is assigned students for one-on-one mentoring. Instead of taking classes on this day, teachers should focus on spending valuable time with students and understanding what’s going on in their minds. Even 10–15 minutes per child before, during or after school hours are enough. This method willl surely help in lighting up the paths of confused souls like us. — SUHASINI (STANDARD VIII)
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CRYSTAL QUEST