Bolstering the Mentoring Relationship: Humanism and the Importance of Narrative Sharing Between Mentor and Mentee

• In Event: 58.071 - Developing Successful Mentoring Programs for Academic Success

Abstract

This presentation describes our application of humanistic mentoring to five classes of urban senior high school students preparing for college. Drawing on narrative theory and a humanistic mentoring model, we (doctoral students) primarily told stories of our own post-secondary experiences in an attempt to relate to students as trustworthy, reliable, and personable mentors. We focused primarily on relating to students about the college-going experience and consciously creating comfortable, safe spaces where students asked questions. We suggest humanistic mentoring is a useful approach to mentoring transitioning secondary students with the hope our efforts result in students’ receptivity to mentoring during their first year of college. Our analysis draws upon field notes, reflections, and data from interviewing students regarding the program’s efficacy.

Authors

• Joshua M Cruz, Arizona State University - Tempe

• Maria Goff, California State University - Fresno

• Josephine Peyton Marsh, Arizona State University