IADR Abstract Archives

The First Phase of Implementing a Faculty-Student Mentoring Programme

Objectives: The Integration of the Faculties of Dentistry of the University of the Western Cape and University of Stellenbosch, offers a poignant example of the challenges facing institutions in the changing landscape of Higher Education in South Africa. In particular the introduction of a Faculty-Student Mentoring programme throws up many of the key issues. The aim of this study is to reflect on the process of introducing a mentoring programme within the newly integrated Dentistry faculty, highlighting key issues and learnings.

Methods:Workshops were held with 35 Lecturers/ Clinical Advisers, introducing the concept of mentoring. Participants were given the opportunity to discuss issues that might affect a mentoring relationship. Qualitative thematic analysis was done on the workshop notes, recorded by the facilitator and participants, as well as the researcher’s field-notes and reports. Key emerging issues affecting the successful implementation of a mentoring programme were identified. Results:These include: time factors, administrative issues, incentives, and boundaries. The issue of role definition and Lecturers/ Clinical Advisers identity were also critical. The key issues and learnings that emerged will inform the subsequent stages of the Mentor programme implementation. Conclusions:There are many factors affecting the implementation of a mentoring programme, and these need to be managed effectively.


Division: South African Division
Meeting: 2004 South African Division (Pretoria, South Africa)
Location: Pretoria, South Africa
Year: 2004
Final Presentation ID: 0
Abstract Category|Abstract Category(s): Scientific Groups
Authors
  • Parker, Mohamed E.  ( University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, N/A, South Africa )
  • Rahim, Mohamed Zubair  ( University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, N/A, South Africa )
  • SESSION INFORMATION
    Oral Session
    Educational Research