Research Mentoring Competencies
Effective research mentoring relationships are critical to developing the next generation of researchers.
Based on the research mentoring curricula, Entering Mentoring, an evidence-based curriculum from the the Center for the Improvement of Mentored Experiences in Research (CIMER), the FSU Research Mentor Academy uses an interactive approach that allows participants to explore an intellectual framework for research mentoring within a community of their peers. This approach provides mentors with opportunities for reflection and a forum to solve mentoring dilemmas and share successful mentorship strategies. You can read more about the development of these training materials here. Six competencies for effective mentoring and related resources based on this evidence-based training are provided below.
Maintaining Effective Communication
Developing skills to communicate across different backgrounds, engage in active listening, and provide constructive feedback.
Aligning Expectations
Effectively establishing mutually beneficial expectations for the mentoring relationship (Related Resources: Individualized Development Plans and Mentoring Compacts)
Assessing Understanding
Using multiple strategies to assess and enhance mentee understanding of core concepts and processes
Fostering Independence
Define independence and how it changes over the course of a mentoring relationship, and use strategies to build mentee confidence and foster independence
Promoting Professional Development
Develop a strategy for guiding professional development and sustain a dialogue with mentees on professional goals
Equity and Inclusion
Recognize the impact of conscious and unconscious assumptions, biases and preconceptions on the mentor-mentee relationship and learn strategies for addressing issues of equity and inclusion (Related Resources: Culturally Aware Mentoring)