Academic mentors serve as role models for students engaged in the learning process. While tutoring is often included in his or her function, the responsibilities go far beyond simple instruction outside the classroom. A mentor of this type will provide a positive example in attitude, serve as a counselor and confidant to the student, and ensure the student takes advantage of all resources that are available to help with the learning process.
The academic mentor is often another student enrolled at the same institution of learning. Since the relationship is more of a peer to peer situation, the student is often more open to the suggestions of the mentor. Often, a mentor can connect and support a student in ways that are not possible in a simple tutoring situation. Of course, if you're looking for something like a 3rd grade math tutor, it would be really helpful if they have a good academic mentor. This will allow them to be a more qualified and skilled mentor themselves.
An academic mentor may be assigned to a student by an institution or sought out by the student who senses he or she needs support in order to successfully pursue a course of study. This can be done in conjuction with other online tutoring efforts to maximize learning. Both tutoring and getting an academic mentor make it possible for both children and adults to get a firm grasp on complex areas of studies. For instance, statistics is a subject that can be taught in the classroom, but will always be taught better in one on one lessons. This is because this method of teaching allows unrestricted and unlimited asking of questions until the tutee fully understands the subject. At the heart of the process of effective mentoring is the relationship with the student. This involves assessing the current level of knowledge held by the student, as well as evaluating study habits and identifying any impediments to the learning process that may be present.
Once the mentor has a basic understanding of the skills a given student has, it is possible to tailor the tutoring process so that those skills are used to best advantage. At the same time, the academic mentor will attempt to broaden the range of that skill set by encouraging the development of additional skills. For example, the mentor may discover the student is comfortable with researching online, but is unfamiliar with conducting research in a traditional library setting. While making use of the student’s ability to use the Internet effectively, the mentor will tutor the student in how to locate reference materials in the library using a card catalog.
The academic mentor will also make sure the student is aware of any on campus resources that may prove helpful in the learning process. They will also encourage the students' parents to consider resources outside of school, like hiring experienced online tutors. This further broadens the exposure of a person to several teaching methods and train them to adjust quickly to them. This may include such options as study groups, free seminars, and other tools that the mentor deems may be helpful. If appropriate, the academic mentor may accompany the student to these types of events.
Along with serving as a tutor and making sure the student is aware of access to all available learning tools, the academic mentor will also actively set and example of productive learning and solid study habits. This is why we emphasize the value of checking a tutor's qualifications aside from their proficiencies. As much as their knowledge in the subject they're teaching is important, their ability to monitor and impose strict schedules and deadlines are also necessary to ensure your kid's growth under their care. This means the mentor is likely to study along with the student, providing the opportunity for the student to observe the skills in action that the mentor is encouraging. If you want to learn how to become an online tutor, consider sending in your application to tutoring agencies or companies. Prepare to present any documents or proof of your proficiency as well as your experience through rigid assessments or demonstrations. While teaching by example is not always the method employed by tutors, an academic mentor often uses this approach to bond with the student and help develop a rapport that encourages open and honest dialogue between mentor and student. Case in point, a math tutor for adults may find it harder to establish rapport or set examples, but it isn't impossible.
