Mentor Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need Qualifications?
Formal teaching qualifications are not required to be a successful IT mentor. It is much more important to be tolerant, patient, flexible, have a sense of humour and be understanding. An interest in people and a wish to help without being patronising are also important. However, you may be asked to undertake a training program - BSOL Mentoring for Beginners.
Where will I teach?
This is negotiable between you and your student. Some mentors prefer a neutral place such as the library, others use their home or the student’s home. BSOL carries appropriate insurance to cover all eventualities.
How often will I teach?
Again this is negotiable between you and your student. Some mentors only have time to take one student, others many. It is usual to arrange 1 to 1½ hours per lesson and most mentors see the student not more than once per week. You could probably expect to add an hour for lesson planning and travel etc.
How long will I teach?
Most learners have limited computer skills and some have a greater capacity for learning than others. Some learners aim to learn everything in the curriculum (and beyond) and others just want to learn a couple of topics. Continue teaching your Learner until such time that, in your opinion, the Curriculum has been covered with sufficient revision or the Learner indicates that they no longer require tuition. At that time advise your Learner that the training will end and advise your Hub Coordinator that you are available to commence training a new Learner. A typical time span is 5 months up to the maximum of 12 months.
Does this mean I can't take holidays etc?
Most mentors will arrange tasks for their learners if they are away on holiday just advise your students. It is also a good idea to set homework goals to make sure they use the computer in between lessons. If a mentor is going to be away for a lengthy period please tell your hub coordinator and we may arrange a temporary mentor if one is available.
What teaching material is available?
All mentors get a free CD Rom stuffed full with useful Lesson Notes, handouts and programs which will assist them in their student coaching. This is updated every year. The BSOL City Training Centre also has a collection of books and other materials designed for computer tuition. In addition, most mentors will want to use other resource material relevant to the student’s particular needs, e.g. learning web sites - the URL links to which are available from the BSOL web site.
