As a mentee, you want to grow and improve as a teacher, but how do you know if you are making progress? Measuring your learning and development is not always easy, but it is essential for your professional growth and satisfaction. In this article, we will explore some ways to assess your progress as a mentee, using reflective practice and inquiry as key tools.
One of the first steps to measure your progress as a mentee is to set SMART goals with your mentor. SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. These criteria help you to define what you want to learn, how you will know if you have achieved it, and when you will review your progress. SMART goals also help you to focus on the most important areas of improvement and align your learning with your school or district priorities.
Personally, I'm not a fan of SMART goals. They feel like work. I prefer the GROW model (goal, reality, obstacles/options, will/way forward) because it essentially covers the same essential components of goal-setting, it's more intuitive and less constricting.
Another way to measure your progress as a mentee is to use a portfolio or journal to collect evidence of your learning and growth. A portfolio or journal can include lesson plans, student work, feedback, reflections, observations, and other artifacts that demonstrate your skills and knowledge. You can use a portfolio or journal to track your progress towards your SMART goals, identify your strengths and areas for improvement, and showcase your achievements. A portfolio or journal can also help you to prepare for formal evaluations or appraisals.
Love this! In our Mentorship Program at Science North, we give mentees a beautiful journal when the program kicks off, and they can use it throughout their mentorship and beyond.
A third way to measure your progress as a mentee is to seek feedback and support from your mentor and other sources. Feedback and support can help you to validate your learning, identify gaps or challenges, and find solutions or resources. You can seek feedback and support from your mentor through regular meetings, coaching sessions, co-teaching, or peer observation. You can also seek feedback and support from your colleagues, students, parents, or administrators, depending on your needs and goals.
A fourth way to measure your progress as a mentee is to conduct self-assessment and reflection on your practice. Self-assessment and reflection can help you to monitor your learning, evaluate your performance, and plan your next steps. You can conduct self-assessment and reflection by using rubrics, checklists, surveys, or questions that guide your thinking. You can also use tools such as video recordings, audio recordings, or transcripts to analyze your practice and identify areas for improvement.
A fifth way to measure your progress as a mentee is to engage in inquiry and action research on your practice. Inquiry and action research can help you to investigate a problem or question that interests you, collect and analyze data, and implement and evaluate changes. You can engage in inquiry and action research by following a cycle of planning, acting, observing, and reflecting. You can also collaborate with your mentor, other mentees, or a professional learning community to share your findings and learn from others.
A sixth way to measure your progress as a mentee is to celebrate your achievements and recognize your growth. Celebrating your achievements can help you to appreciate your efforts, acknowledge your successes, and boost your confidence and motivation. You can celebrate your achievements by sharing your portfolio or journal, presenting your inquiry or action research, or receiving a certificate or badge. You can also celebrate your achievements by thanking your mentor, rewarding yourself, or setting new goals.