In 2021 the Eden Centre established an Academic Mentors Community of Practice with the aim to improve the practice of academic mentoring as a result of previous research, highlighting the need to create a space to share practice, reflect on common challenges and wins, as well as co-create resources for the whole School community.
The Academic Mentoring Community of Practice (CoP) aims to:
1) Stimulate Engaging Conversations: Foster dynamic and enriching discussions surrounding the multifaceted role of academic mentoring to encourage a deeper understanding of its significance.
2) Elevate Mentoring Practices: Actively contribute to the advancement of academic mentoring by identifying and promoting best practices, aiming to enhance the overall quality and effectiveness of mentoring in educational settings.
3) Promote Knowledge Sharing: Cultivate a collaborative environment where participants can openly share their diverse experiences, facilitating the collective identification of successful mentoring strategies.
4) Disseminate Impact Awareness: Advocate for the vital role of academic mentoring in students' academic journeys and overall well-being, aiming to raise awareness about its profound importance.
5) Continuously Develop Resources: Persist in the creation and refinement of resources tailored to the evolving needs of academic mentors, ensuring an ongoing improvement in mentorship strategies and support mechanisms.
Community Overview
Membership
Our Community of Practice is currently formed by 21 academic and professional service staff members whose practices are related to academic mentoring. Participation is on a voluntary basis, and we are always welcoming new members.
If you would like to join the community of practice please get in touch with Daniela Pérez Aguilar (Research and Evaluation Officer, Inclusive Education) via d.c.perez-aguilar@lse.ac.uk
How we organise our work
We meet twice a term to discuss all aspects of the role of an academic mentor at LSE, share relevant experience and challenges, present results and analysis of how mentoring is implemented in the School, and resources that could improve our practice.
The sessions are led by the Inclusive Education Team, and we also invite our members and other people from relevant services in the School to present.
Once a year, we organise a Learning Exchange Day. This event aims to provide longer sessions to reflect on academic mentoring, not only within the School, but also to know more about the practice in other Higher Education Institutions.
As part of our work, we are members of the UK Advising and Tutoring Association (UKAT), which allow us to work collaboratively with other HEIs, access to resources and courses, as well as share practice at a national level.