Online (web-based) education for mentors of newly qualified teachers: Challenges and opportunities
International Journal of Mentoring and Coaching in Education
ISSN: 2046-6854
Article publication date: 6 June 2016
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to report on a research project concerning a web-based (online) course for mentors of newly qualified teachers (NQTs).
Design/methodology/approach
A mixed-method approach with questionnaires and interviews was used to collect the data.
Findings
Positive attitudes towards online education were discerned and initial concerns about the use of technical tools were dissipated during the course. It was found that the mentoring-related content of the online course could be mediated. The most significant difference in the participants’ meaning making and ability to “connect theory and practice” with “concrete knowledge” was between those with experience of mentorship before or during the course and those without.
Research limitations/implications
The study focuses on one cohort of mentor participants (n=18) attending one mentor education course.
Practical implications
The paper contributes to the value of online education for mentors of NQTs and includes some practical recommendations for mentor education providers.
Originality/value
This paper reports on an under-researched area. Research on professional development programmes for mentors in general is limited, and even more so when it comes to online education for mentors.
Keywords
Citation
Fransson, G. (2016), "Online (web-based) education for mentors of newly qualified teachers: Challenges and opportunities", International Journal of Mentoring and Coaching in Education, Vol. 5 No. 2, pp. 111-126. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJMCE-12-2015-0039
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2016, Emerald Group Publishing Limited