“When We’re in Cogen, We Connect!”: Cogenerative Mentorship between High School Students and Scientists

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Friday 3:45 pm
  In Roundtable Session: Mentoring Pathways from K-12 to Graduate Studies

Abstract

High school science internships provide meaningful learning experiences but can also present challenges (e.g., communication barriers and power imbalances). This study illustrates how cogenerative mentorship supports students in developing zest, clarity, self of worth, productivity, and desire for deeper connections. Cogenerative dialogues (cogen) encourage students to share their authentic perspectives, cultivate mutual empathy, and feel empowered within the internship. In contrast to models that focus on additional scientist training to address challenges, this approach uses cogen as a pedagogical tool to establish a supportive environment where students and scientists engage in respectful conversations, reflect on their joint experiences, and collaboratively address challenges. This dynamic enables scientists to adjust their mentoring practices based on ongoing student feedback, promoting growth-fostering relationships.

Author

• Pei-Ling Hsu, University of Texas - El Paso