Certificate in Mentoring and Support (via Blended Learning)
Introduction
Recent government policy has led to the rapid expansion of Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) services for adults, to major changes in the provision for adult learners, to the creation of the Connexions Service and The Children's Trusts 13-19. These initiatives have increased the need for adult educators, guidance workers and other professional's to be able to provide mentoring support to a very diverse group of learners in contexts such as school and community education, training for work and professional development for those in employment. This course is aimed at those who are currently engaged in a mentoring role or for whom such skills would be relevant in the future.
Aim of the course
To support participants in the development of effective mentoring practice. Participants will be enabled to build on their existing knowledge and skills to develop a high level of competence within the context of their mentoring and support practice. Participants will explore the principles and practice underpinning current mentoring and support practice, and will be able to apply this knowledge in thier own mentoring and support practice.
Course outline
The course consists of a combination of one day seminar sessions , work based learning, directed reading and Blackboard based discussion. These sessions will take place over approximately five months, with additional time to complete assessed course work. The course is organised as follows:
Session One:
Introduction to the course; the mentoring context; introduction to models of mentoring; introduction to Blackboard as a discussion tool.
Work based learning tasks: completion of tasks and contribution to Blackboard discussion.
Directed reading: using focus questions to complete reading and contribution to Blackboard discussion.
Session Two:
Mentoring Skills Workshop (to be held at Salomons Interview Training Suite) - the mentoring relationship; role play exercises and feedback.
Work based learning tasks: completion of tasks and contribution to Blackboard discussion.
Directed reading: using focus questions to complete reading and contribution to Blackboard discussion.
Session Three:
Bringing together the learning from the course; assignment workshop.
Examples of work based tasks may include: Discussion with colleague about mentoring in the organisation; discussion with a mentee about their expectations and experiences of the mentoring process; analysis of a mentoring session.
By the end of the course, participants should be able to:
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Analyse their own mentoring practice in relation to the context in which they are mentoring, including organisational factors which affect mentoring.
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Identify future trends in mentoring e.g. e-mentoring and consider the implications for their mentoring practice.
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Identify and analyse a range of models of mentoring appropriate to their mentoring practice.
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Demonstrate the ability to develop and maintain a mentoring relationship.
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Reflect critically on their own practice to identify areas for further development.
Where is the course taught?
For individual applicants, the course will be taught at one of the University's campuses, probably at the Salomons Campus at Southborough, near Tunbridge Tunbridge Wells, or at the Medway Campus. Organisations choosing to sponsor an entire course will have the option of negotiating a local venue.
How is the course delivered?
The course will be delivered by blended learning which involves a range of methods including one day seminar sessions, work based learning, directed reading and Blackboard (VLE) based discussion.
Attendance
Attendance at the taught seminar sessions is important and contributes to the development of a collobarative group. Work based learning and contributions to Blackboard discussion is flexible and can be completed to fit in with other commitments, as can the directed reading.
How is the course assessed and accredited?
The course carries 20 credits at Level 4.
The course is assessed through three pieces of written work, a short report relating to the participants own mentoring practice and the context in which this takes place, a piece of reflectove writing drawing on their learning and development during the course, and completion of the work based learning guide.
What resources will I need?
Participants will be provided with an outline work based learning guide, a booklist and information about the Blackboard based elements of the course at induction in Session One. Participants will have full library access at all sites of the University. Participants will also need access to the Internet in order to access the Blackboard based elements of the course.
Fees
For the Academic Year 2011-12, generally courses are organised by employers and a fee of £8,915 per course will apply (not per participant); the individual student cost is £605. The usual cohort size is 22. The course fees include all teaching, tutorial support, course materials and additional handouts.
Universities in England may no longer receive funding from the Government for students (excluding Foundation degrees) who wish to study but who already hold a qualification which is at an equivalent or higher level. Fees for these students will be charged at the higher ELQ fee listed below.
Therefore, the ELQ fee for a course size of 22 will be £14,765 (not per participant). The individual ELQ student cost fee is £995.
Other features of the course
Participants will have the opportunity to identify a peer mentor from within the group who can support them to explore ways of integrating what they are learning into their mentoring practice. The experience will also enable participants to understand more about the mentor-learner relationship from then learner's perspective.
Entry requirements
The course is intended for people who are working with young people and who wish to develop and enhance their knowledge and understanding of the theoretical basis for work with adolescents. Participants will normally have A level or equivalent qualifications for entry to this Level 4 course.
Further enquiries
For a more informal discussion please contact the Course Director Alison Fielding on 01892 507508.
Alternatively please call the Course Administrator Jacquie Minter on 01892 507663.