Role of the Mentors

“The mentor’s primary role is to act as a guide and resource in the accomplishment of specific tasks during the exhibition process.”

- IB Exhibition guidelines (2008)

Mentors may be drawn from all members of the learning community. Mentors help students set and meet their goals by asking questions, suggesting resources, helping to interpret difficult information and facilitating interviews or contacts outside the school. They may also contribute as subject area experts.

The entire learning community is involved in the exhibition, either in the organization and timing, in accessing resources (including primary resources in the wider community) or as mentors throughout the process. The community celebrates with students at the exhibition celebration.

What do I have to do?

Mentor responsibilities:

Groups are to meet with mentors at a minimum of once a week during the exhibition process
The role of a mentor is chiefly to keep students focused on their inquiry.
Assist students in taking minutes within their Process Journal, using the template provided by G5 is strongly encouraged
Include anecdotal notes of the group or individuals to the teacher only of specific actions or inactions which are of concern
Both mentor and teacher coordinators assist students in misconceptions related to their research
Support students in accessing other resources
Suggest changes to final presentation related to editing, spelling, etc
If groups attend meetings unprepared, mentors may send them back as to not waste valuable time.
Keep in close communication with your Teacher Coordinator and let them know if students are moving in a different direction and let them know if you need more direction or redirection

Why should I do it?

Mentor benefits:

It's fun.
It's rewarding.
You feel like you have something to offer.
It takes a whole community to make this project a success.

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