Importance and Establishment of Partnership: Doctoral Candidate - Mentor(S) - University

The paper deals with the triangle of participants in the Doctoral Study process: Institution-mentor-Doctoral student. Shown are: Basic dimensions of the student – mentor relationship, Motivation and responsibility in the student – mentor relationship, Expectations, perceptions and satisfaction in the student-mentor relationship, Factors which influence expectations in the student-mentor relationship, Keys to Successful Mentoring Relationships on personal and interpersonal levels, Possible solutions for Successful Mentoring on the Faculty and university level, and the Benefits of those activities.

Prophet Sulaymān in Classical Persian Poetry: Semantics and Structure of the Image

The article discusses structure, semantic content, and functioning of the image of the Qur’anic prophet Sulaymān (Biblical Solomon) in Persian medieval poetry. Analysis of the poetic material leads to a conclusion about the main spheres of application of this image and its semantic connotations both in eulogistic and religious-mystical poetry. The article defines the main motifs of the Qur’anic story of this prophet that became a part of Persian poetic tradition and how they relate to the various themes that poets touch upon. For instance, motives of Sulaymān’s power over winds and demons, as well as images of his throne and the ring that gave him that power, were used primarily in eulogies when poets compared their patrons to the legendary king. A special place in Sufi poetry is occupied by the image of the hoopoe and the motif of the bird’s language that reveal topics of a disciple-mentor relationship and leadership in the path of mystical knowledge. As a global characteristic of Sulaymān’s image, we can outline its ambivalence which has its roots in the biblical narrative, where along with wisdom one can find mention of Solomon’s arrogance. Further exegetical tradition speaks of dethronement of Sulaymān by a demon as a punishment for arrogance. Later on, these themes can be found in Persian literature in the form of motifs of humility and frailty of the earthly life, which gained special meaning in the context of didactic and mystical poetry.

An Exploration of Youth–Parent–Mentor Relationship Dynamics in a Youth-Initiated Mentoring Intervention to Prevent Out-of-Home Placement

This qualitative study explores the youth-initiated mentoring (YIM) approach for youth at risk for out-of-home placement. In this approach, a youth nominates someone from within their social network, and positions this person as a YIM to function as an ally for the youth and as a partner for parents and professional caregivers. Through interviews with six youth, six YIMs, and seven parents ( N = 19), we examined the positioning of a YIM and sustainability. The results indicated that attitudes from participants toward asking someone or being asked to become a YIM varied from enthusiastic to cautious. Participants reported increased contact intensity and relationship quality. Two parents did not experience YIM as beneficial. Most participants expected that the YIM–mentee relationship lasts after professional care terminates. The results reveal that YIM is experienced as an ally, but it also has the potential to increase relational conflicts between social network members.

The student–mentor relationship

The student–mentor partnership is essential for future midwives. But, as Karen Barker explores, it is a bilateral relationship that offers as much to the mentor as it does to the student

Academic practice par excellence: Martin Hinrich Lichtenstein’s role in Adelbert von Chamisso’s career as naturalist

Adelbert von Chamisso’s (1781–1838) career as a naturalist is increasingly well-documented. Comparatively little, however, is known of his mentor and director of the Berlin Zoological Museum, Martin Hinrich Lichtenstein (1780–1857). This article highlights Lichtenstein’s influential role in Chamisso’s early career by reconstructing key moments of the student-mentor relationship from twelve yet unpublished letters (letters are presented in full in a separate contribution). It investigates the resources, rhetorical strategies, and allies necessary for establishing oneself as a scholar in the early nineteenth-century academic culture of Berlin.

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The purpose of the research presented in this article was to investigate the added value of mentoring for entrepreneurs during the start-up phase. This small-scale exploratory research focused on five start-up entrepreneurs in Scotland to determine the entrepreneurs’ perceptions regarding the ‘added’ value of their mentoring support. To achieve the research aim, a qualitative approach was adopted and an embedded case study strategy was followed with data collection from semi-structured in-depth interviews. The case study findings indicated a selection of perceived benefits of the mentoring experience for the start-up entrepreneurs, which included gaining business knowledge, getting guidance and prioritizing goals, an increase in confidence and access to relevant networks. The results point towards the use of multiple mentors and peer support at start-up to maximize the full benefits of the mentoring process. The study also provides tentative recommendations for supporting agencies as well as entrepreneurs to enhance the value in the mentee–mentor relationship.

Exploring the factors that contribute towards better student-mentor relationship in work-based learning (WBL) practice

Mentors are called upon to counsel, guide, coach and advise mentees. Mentoring creates a relationship with the purpose of facilitating learners to achieve their learning goals. It allows individuals to look objectively at their performance and future development. Mentoring takes a formal setting in WBL practice which involves an experience for learning and a change in which mentor and mentee utilize a range of core components including honesty, trust and respectful listening to transfer knowledge and skills. Students on WBL practice view mentors as the right professionals with advanced work experience and knowledge from whom they may seek assistance for their professional and personal development. While many students undertaking WBL practice have experienced positive mentoring, there are some that complain about the lack of attention and care provided by their mentors. Most studies investigated the antecedents, outcomes, and benefits of programs with little attention given to identifying and illustrating what is required to ensure the quality of the mentoring process and the effectiveness of the mentoring relationship. This study sought to identify the factors that contribute towards positive mentoring for enhancing the student-mentor relationship. A survey questionnaire was designed for exploring the factors that lead to positive mentoring in WBL practice. The questionnaire was administered to students of the University of Mauritius who undertook WBL practice at the respective placement settings. Mentors providing the necessary coaching at these practice settings were also requested to complete a questionnaire. The findings reveal a list of the main factors which can lead to successful mentoring and enhance the student-mentor relationship. The element of ‘trust’ was found to be the most influential factor in the relationship, followed by ‘empathy’ and ‘openness’. These factors are seen to enhance interactive capability of mentees which contribute much towards improved acquisition of knowledge and skills in the practice.