Mentor-learner relationship
It seems that mentoring is most successful if there is a trust between the mentor and learner and a safe environment is created. After much thought I finally realized that I did have a mentor at my work place. It was a dentist that was very knowledgeable in dentistry and medicine. He enjoyed teaching others what he knew and how the dentistry and medicine were interrelated. He was never critical. He tried to encourage you to stretch yourself to find the answer. I suppose he used a form of self-directed learning. We would discuss the topic, learn all we could and then learn how to apply it clinically. These sessions were educational and each one was remembered. As my knowledge grew, the dentist would randomly quiz me in front of the dental residents. As I gave him the correct answer, he would impress upon them that if the dental hygienist knew the answer then they had better know the answer. Today I use this knowledge in teaching the dental hygiene students. It makes me smile when they can impress the dental faculty with an answer that the dental students can’t answer.
I find myself in a position to be a mentor to dental hygiene students. I feel that there needs to be a connection between the mentor and the learner. If we do not get along then we are not going to make much progress. I think that each person needs to respect the other. I respect the student for trying to learn and putting in the effort to accomplish this. They should respect me for taking my time to facilitate personal develop, encourage them ,to help them make wise choices and to pass on knowledge. This is a give and take kind of relationship and I hope that is beneficial for the student.
October 15th, 2009 at 1:53 pm
Christy, I agree with you that there needs to be some give and take in a mentoring relationship. I also agree that respect for both parties by both parties is paramount. I think people tend to shy away from having a mentor because they see it as something that is too formal, too uncomfortable. In only they knew! I think the hardest thing is finding that person you connect with and not only wanting it to grow, but putting forth the effort to make it grow. Even if you don’t remember all of your students over the years, I’m sure they will remember you.
November 5th, 2009 at 12:09 pm
Christy, What a great learning experience for you. I wonder if it is like that for most people in your program or was it truly because of your mentor? Reading your blog has reinforced for me that one person can make a difference. I have often thought about how I could use what I have learned in this class in my daily work environment. I think it is like anything else, you start small and get others involved and then be amazed at how things can change. Thanks! Ann