ABSTRACT

The term ‘mentor’ is being used to describe an increasing range of activities. It is used in student and staff induction programmes, and in the articled and licensed teacher training schemes. More and more of those involved report the process to be a powerful and cost-effective way of increasing personal and organizational focus and central to the institution's staff development strategies and plans, rather than merely a way of smoothing new staff entry, or offering tips for getting round bureaucratic procedures. Here we consider its use as a significant element in the staff development and target-setting process for all staff including trainees, in the enhancement of their learning and development within their institutions.