This week we discussed the difference between teaching children and mentoring adults. This is a very relevant topic considering we are currently mentoring an adult and most are teaching children. It made me very reflective of the learning that I have experienced as an adult. Most have been in scenarios where there is a lecture hall, a powerpoint, a professor, and a notebook in front of me. I can’t say that these are the most pleasant experiences nor the ones where I learn the most. Reading the text opened my eyes to how important mentorship is to learning as an adult.
My thoughts this week contributed to the learning of Sarah and Natalie. Natalie agreed that adults should be offered many modes to accessing information, just like we do with children. Sarah also could connect with my thoughts and would like to see a change in the ways professional development is offered to teachers. I read and commented on Sarah’s blog this week. She talked about the difference between teaching and mentoring. I really connected with Sarah when she said that she does not have more knowledge than her mentee, but a different perspective. I added to her idea and noted that a mentorship relationship works when both parties are motivated and learning. Matthew shared about adult learning and how the characteristics are different and more complicated than children. He talked about how his mentee is a man who is one year away from retirement. I offered encouragement for Matthew and helped him keep his focus on mentoring to help a colleague engage and experiment with a 21st century classroom. Overall, this week showed me the complexities of adult learning. Often adults are required to use their skills of sitting and listening to learn. This, however, is not the best way for adults to learn. A mentorship relationship allows for adults not only to have someone to motivate them and guide the way, but it allows for constant reflection.
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AuthorAndrea Colvin Archives
April 2017
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