Miscellaneous
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What Is an Academic Mentor?

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

Academic mentors serve as role models for students engaged in the learning process. While tutoring is often included in his or her function, the responsibilities go far beyond simple instruction outside the classroom. A mentor of this type will provide a positive example in attitude, serve as a counselor and confidant to the student, and ensure the student takes advantage of all resources that are available to help with the learning process.

The academic mentor is often another student enrolled at the same institution of learning. Since the relationship is more of a peer to peer situation, the student is often more open to the suggestions of the mentor. Often, a mentor can connect and support a student in ways that are not possible in a simple tutoring situation. Of course, if you're looking for something like a 3rd grade math tutor, it would be really helpful if they have a good academic mentor. This will allow them to be a more qualified and skilled mentor themselves.

An academic mentor may help students achieve excellent study habits, such as note taking.
An academic mentor may help students achieve excellent study habits, such as note taking.

An academic mentor may be assigned to a student by an institution or sought out by the student who senses he or she needs support in order to successfully pursue a course of study. This can be done in conjuction with other online tutoring efforts to maximize learning. Both tutoring and getting an academic mentor make it possible for both children and adults to get a firm grasp on complex areas of studies. For instance, statistics is a subject that can be taught in the classroom, but will always be taught better in one on one lessons. This is because this method of teaching allows unrestricted and unlimited asking of questions until the tutee fully understands the subject. At the heart of the process of effective mentoring is the relationship with the student. This involves assessing the current level of knowledge held by the student, as well as evaluating study habits and identifying any impediments to the learning process that may be present.

Academic mentors may help students complete worksheet homework.
Academic mentors may help students complete worksheet homework.

Once the mentor has a basic understanding of the skills a given student has, it is possible to tailor the tutoring process so that those skills are used to best advantage. At the same time, the academic mentor will attempt to broaden the range of that skill set by encouraging the development of additional skills. For example, the mentor may discover the student is comfortable with researching online, but is unfamiliar with conducting research in a traditional library setting. While making use of the student’s ability to use the Internet effectively, the mentor will tutor the student in how to locate reference materials in the library using a card catalog.

An academic mentor may serve as a confidant to a student.
An academic mentor may serve as a confidant to a student.

The academic mentor will also make sure the student is aware of any on campus resources that may prove helpful in the learning process. They will also encourage the students' parents to consider resources outside of school, like hiring experienced online tutors. This further broadens the exposure of a person to several teaching methods and train them to adjust quickly to them. This may include such options as study groups, free seminars, and other tools that the mentor deems may be helpful. If appropriate, the academic mentor may accompany the student to these types of events.

When students are tasked with mentoring one another, a close peer relationship may form.
When students are tasked with mentoring one another, a close peer relationship may form.

Along with serving as a tutor and making sure the student is aware of access to all available learning tools, the academic mentor will also actively set and example of productive learning and solid study habits. This is why we emphasize the value of checking a tutor's qualifications aside from their proficiencies. As much as their knowledge in the subject they're teaching is important, their ability to monitor and impose strict schedules and deadlines are also necessary to ensure your kid's growth under their care. This means the mentor is likely to study along with the student, providing the opportunity for the student to observe the skills in action that the mentor is encouraging. If you want to learn how to become an online tutor, consider sending in your application to tutoring agencies or companies. Prepare to present any documents or proof of your proficiency as well as your experience through rigid assessments or demonstrations. While teaching by example is not always the method employed by tutors, an academic mentor often uses this approach to bond with the student and help develop a rapport that encourages open and honest dialogue between mentor and student. Case in point, a math tutor for adults may find it harder to establish rapport or set examples, but it isn't impossible.

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including WiseGEEK, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

Learn more...
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including WiseGEEK, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

wander

For those in post-secondary education an academic mentor can be invaluable. As a new university student, an older peer who knows the ropes and is supportive can make a world of difference when you transition into this kind of academic environment.

They can show you how to conduct research, point you in the right direction for services and even be someone you can party with in your free time.

I believe that most schools offer academic advisors and student counseling centers that can pair you up with another student for some academic mentorship. They are often chosen for this role because of their great communication skills and strong academic abilities. Someone you would really want in your corner.

Sara007

There are many public elementary schools that are setting up older students with positive attitudes and good grades, with younger ones that are struggling.

Theses students provide a great positive influence on their younger peers and as young academic mentors they can influence others to study harder and take more pride in their work. In addition, they also build positive friendships that focus on what is great about school. Which can be very different from a child's usual approach to what is great about gaming and TV.

I think if you have a child in school you should inquire about these programs to help out your local academic community at all levels.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • An academic mentor may help students achieve excellent study habits, such as note taking.
      By: Photographee.eu
      An academic mentor may help students achieve excellent study habits, such as note taking.
    • Academic mentors may help students complete worksheet homework.
      By: petar Ishmeriev
      Academic mentors may help students complete worksheet homework.
    • An academic mentor may serve as a confidant to a student.
      By: Elenathewise
      An academic mentor may serve as a confidant to a student.
    • When students are tasked with mentoring one another, a close peer relationship may form.
      By: william87
      When students are tasked with mentoring one another, a close peer relationship may form.
    • Academic mentors may be brought in to help motivate students.
      By: Hemeroskopion
      Academic mentors may be brought in to help motivate students.
    • Successful academic mentors might be pulled from peer groups.
      By: atikinka2
      Successful academic mentors might be pulled from peer groups.
    • An academic mentor will seek to broaden a student's skill set.
      By: Monkey Business
      An academic mentor will seek to broaden a student's skill set.