Post by Admin on May 23, 2018 11:10:25 GMT -8
There has often been discussion on the relationship between a Mentor and an Instructor who teaches a class or workshop. One of the challenges YAFA faces in building our Mentor base is that many of our subject matter experts might enjoy the company of children, but are not comfortable directly teaching them, especially in groups. For what might seem obvious reasons, since the YAFA program requires all activities to be done at events or other regular or official meetings, the group setting is typically how instruction will occur. Considering these things, it is not surprising that some potential Mentors are apprehensive.
However, each achievement is designed to be completed in steps, rather than all at once (It is okay if this happens, so long as the child shows appropriate evidence of learning). Also, it is not required to work with the same adult throughout the achievement process. Similarly, a child can attend a class designed for all ages (i.e. regular A&S classes) and still receive credit for relevant learning.
This means that while a Mentor CAN be an instructor, and visa versa; neither requires being the other. It is acceptable for a subject matter expert who has registered as a mentor to meet with a child at an event or meeting to look at their progress and provide feedback and advisement, while not actually walking them through what the student needs to learn. In the same vein, while an individual with subject matter knowledge might not have the expertise to qualify as a Mentor, they work great with children, making them good for providing instruction where they can and allow others to instruct in the same fashion. Potential Mentors could also only register for only those divisions they feel comfortable working with or for which they feel they have knowledge.
With all this said, regardless of who provides instruction, it is still necessary for a registered Mentor to certify completion of Divisions 2 and 3. This is one reason why we are always on the a;ways in need of new mentors, as some subject areas have few if any registered. We have children who are completing Division 1 with their parents and are eager to move on. However, they need a mentor to provide that guidance and monitor them in the process of completing their achievements!
I'd like to know what you think or what you have experienced. If you or someone you know have considered being a Mentor, what apprehensions were there? What motivates you to be a Mentor?
However, each achievement is designed to be completed in steps, rather than all at once (It is okay if this happens, so long as the child shows appropriate evidence of learning). Also, it is not required to work with the same adult throughout the achievement process. Similarly, a child can attend a class designed for all ages (i.e. regular A&S classes) and still receive credit for relevant learning.
This means that while a Mentor CAN be an instructor, and visa versa; neither requires being the other. It is acceptable for a subject matter expert who has registered as a mentor to meet with a child at an event or meeting to look at their progress and provide feedback and advisement, while not actually walking them through what the student needs to learn. In the same vein, while an individual with subject matter knowledge might not have the expertise to qualify as a Mentor, they work great with children, making them good for providing instruction where they can and allow others to instruct in the same fashion. Potential Mentors could also only register for only those divisions they feel comfortable working with or for which they feel they have knowledge.
With all this said, regardless of who provides instruction, it is still necessary for a registered Mentor to certify completion of Divisions 2 and 3. This is one reason why we are always on the a;ways in need of new mentors, as some subject areas have few if any registered. We have children who are completing Division 1 with their parents and are eager to move on. However, they need a mentor to provide that guidance and monitor them in the process of completing their achievements!
I'd like to know what you think or what you have experienced. If you or someone you know have considered being a Mentor, what apprehensions were there? What motivates you to be a Mentor?