“A great experience, and extremely valuable!”

Neuruppin/Brandenburg an der Havel, 12 July 2022

Recommendations on viable forms of teaching and learning (Empfehlungen für eine zukunftsfähige Ausgestaltung von Studium und Lehre) issued by the Science and Humanities Council (WR) in May 2022 advocate the nation-wide introduction of an academic mentoring scheme at universities, to be integrated into curricula and teaching obligations.

Dr. Julia Schendzielorz at the MHB Centre for Curricular Development and Educational Research (ZSAW-BB) initiated exactly such a project as early as in 2021. The MHB once again took the lead in offering a mentoring programme last summer, aiming to accompany and support students in their academic and personal development: “The idea is to encourage capacity building and to establish lasting and trusting relationships between mentors and mentees. I felt pleased and vindicated to see that the WR recommendations correspond to what we at the MHB started last year.

Based on positive feedback we received from students and mentors involved, and the comprehensive positive experience gained from the past 18 months, we are now planning to further extend these programmes to all MHB courses as extracurricular activities, and ultimately to integrate them into all curricula and instructors’ teaching obligations.”

Based on positive feedback we received from students and mentors involved, and the comprehensive positive experience gained from the past 18 months, we are now planning to further extend these programmes to all MHB courses as extracurricular activities, and ultimately to integrate them into all curricula and instructors’ teaching obligations.”
Currently there is a demand for further mentors. Dr. Schendzielorz specifies the requirements: “For the new cohorts of medicine and psychology students starting next October we are still looking for professionals with an interest in interacting with young people, empathizing with university entrants, discussing problems and questions as they arise, and thus helping them to overcome hurdles at the start of their studies. We assist the mentors via regular meetings and exchange. The programme involves three monthly mentoring meetings at the beginning, and at least one meeting per following semester. Mentors should also attend a first get-to-know gathering and one at the end of the semester. Acting as a mentor myself, I know that the effort is worthwhile, a great experience and extremely valuable for both sides!”

For more details see the Flyer.

Contact:

Dr. rer. nat. Julia Schendzielorz
Zentrum für Studiengangsentwicklung, Aus- und Weiterbildungsforschung (ZSAW-BB)
Campus Brandenburg an der Havel
Phone: +49 3381 21228-12
E-Mail: julia.schendzielorz@mhb-fontane.de