The Mentor and the Student-Teacher: An Important and Delicate Relationship

Abstract

One of the key factors of preparing future teachers is the process of mentoring and as part of it the mentor teacher. The relationship between student-teachers and their mentors is very delicate, in some cases even cold and lame. The mentor teacher is the one that helps student-teachers connect the knowledge they get from their studies in universities with the real classroom environment, where they are going to implement their knowledge. As a bridge that connects the university to the schools, the role of the mentor teacher is that of a facilitator, a leader, and an adviser who will transmit to the future teachers the art of teaching. But, what is the mentors’ perception of their role? How do they view the relation between mentors and student-teachers; and what are some of the advantages or the risks of this relationship? Does he/she feel motivated to better do the job? What are some of the problems they face during mentoring? On the other hand stands the student-teacher. What defines the relation he/ she has with the mentor teacher? How successful is the teaching practice? To what extent does the mentor affect in this success or lack of success? Is there anything that the student teacher would like to change in this relation; simple at first sight, but complicated if you see deep inside? Through interviews with 13 mentors of Elbasan and a questionnaire with 38 student-teachers of “Aleksander Xhuvani” University, this paper will try to answer most of the above mentioned questions. Also part of this study will be some suggestions for a better mentorship and recommendations.

DOI: 10.5901/jesr.2016.v6n3p87