Conceptual Models for Mentors - Learning 1 - Learning from Experience

This is another good starting point to start looking at how I am connecting with the colleagues I am supporting. 

The ones I have not made such a connection with is it because I have not identified how they learn?

Looking at the four areas above, I think I am comfortable with identifying reflectors and theorists; however, possibly I need to develop my ability to identify and support the Activist and Pragmatist. Are these teachers that seemed to stand off and not be involved as much? How do I identify these traits? In my role as the facilitator, the number of teachers I work with creates a challenge however as with a classroom knowing your learning is crucial, and this could add another string to my bow for those teachers that are not getting the support they require from my role.

My role within the teachers class for one year is the perfect opportunity to utilise the 4 Mat System and support the implementation of a digital classroom. Looking at the model, I need to ensure I allow ten minutes with each teacher to help them make meaning, discuss and motivate them. The understanding of the type of learner, e.g. Activist etc. will help me to support them to make meaning and increase motivation.

In the why I need to break the lesson of the day down into why we are doing it beforehand with the teacher, they will observe and reflect on the experience thinking about the Cybersmart concepts and information and the way it is being taught and use these to develop new ideas and principles. I have not done this well to date as this can be seen in the classes that I worked with last year that are not continuing with the Cybersmart Curriculum.

The skills that I have developed and continue to grow with this Coaching and Mentoring course will hopefully support teachers with the development of new ideas and principles. I am thinking that the adaptation, self-discovery and evaluation occur over the week and begin the discussion when I am back in class the following week.

Reflection - In one of my reflective sessions I have realised I have very little connection with the mentor, I have not listened for their linguistic style and as a result have not been able to connect back as quickly. I have noticed that the conversations can be very autobiographical, and I am reflecting is this due to the personal style or my lack of contribution to the discussion. As a mentee is it appropriate to connect with the mentor's linguistic style and then use that for example "I hear what you are saying" to bring the conversation back to focus on the mentees?