Mentoring System
Objectives of the Practice
- To provide more contact hours between teachers and students.
- To maintain proper academic and attendance records of students.
- To minimize drop-out rates of students.
- To identify slow learners and advanced learners.
Context
The institute has implemented the mentoring system in accordance with IQAC, Higher Education's recommendations. The institute deemed it essential to incorporate this system into the college management system. In the past three years, it had swiftly and successfully implemented it. With a diverse student population in terms of educational and economic background, the system promises to provide a deeper understanding of each student and maximize their potential, thereby reducing the number of students who drop out.
The Practice
The IQAC had initiated the implementation of this system. Each year, the students' names are collected and arranged according to their subject preferences. Depending on the number of students, they are separated into groups of 20 to 25 individuals. Each group is assigned a teacher/mentor who is responsible for collecting individual students' academic performance and class attendance. The teacher/mentor is provided with pertinent information about their mentees and is expected to provide guidance and counselling as needed. On the recommendation of the mentor, parents are called to special meetings with the principal in rare instances. Faculty mentoring is conducted formally or informally by a senior faculty member or group of faculty members, to assist junior faculty in reaching their full potential as instructors, researchers, and administrators.
Evidence of Success
Even though the system has only been in place for a few years, the teacher-student relationship has improved significantly. The system has proven useful for distinguishing between slow and advanced learners. For slow learners, the institute organizes remedial classes on various subjects within the curriculum, based on the requirements deduced from a thorough examination of each mentor's report. Following the implementation of this system, remedial classes have become systematized. There appears to be a decrease in the number of students who drop out because mentors can intervene before a student falls below the attendance threshold or has been chronically absent.
Problems Encountered and Resources Required
The assignment of students to groups proves to be a tiresome process, with some students occasionally choosing different courses. Time restrictions prevent the mentor/teacher from spending enough time with the mentees. The ability of the mentors to provide assistance is limited by the fact that the majority of our students are reserved and some are too complacent to share their problems.
Outcome
The mentoring system has been effectively implemented. Some enhancements need to be carried out to make the mentoring system more effective.
