Estimated time required to complete module: 8 hours
Estimated time required to complete unit: 4 hours
Estimated time required to complete unit: 4 hours
Summary of Keller´s ideas
Here are the main ideas in some more detail:
1 In starting this course, you have entered the Contemplation stage. Initially you may have had preconceived ideas of what is expected of you as a mentor teacher. We hope you are gaining valuable information about what being a mentor entails and will soon start the planning process in preparation for the next stage. There is no doubt that if mentors are confident about the process and believe in their own ability to be successful, a more supportive and close relationship is created between the mentor and mentee.
2 During the Initiation stage the mentor teacher and student teacher start to form their relationship. “They may assess what the other partner brings to the relationship, monitor how their behaviour affects the other, make comparisons against expectations for the relationship, and evaluate their potential together.” – Hinde (This is explored further in Module 2.)
3 The Growth and Maintenance stage will last throughout the entire mentoring relationship. This is the ‘getting-down-to-business’ phase. Routines between the mentor teacher and student teacher are set, patterns of communication are established, and methods of handling conflict are worked out. Emotional and social support is critical to maintaining the relationship. The work is not always serious though: “Joking, laughter, informal language, and relaxed attitudes are associated with relationship satisfaction and closeness.” - Planalp and Benson
4 As in any relationship, there might be a time when the relationship faces serious obstacles if it is not well managed. In Stage 4, Decline and Dissolution could be the result of neglected maintenance activities or a negative act such as unresolved conflict or even the discovery of an unacceptable personal trait.
5 The last stage is Redefinition. If the conflict in Stage 4 is managed well, the relationship might not break down completely, but rather be redefined. Stage 5 is also the key stage for reflection on the relationship.