Mentor Information

Become a Mentor & useful links

Mentor Registration Form  

One of the most significant elements of the Kids Teaching Kids Learning Model is the role of an industry expert mentor. Our mentors work with teachers and students to bring real world learning and expertise to the workshops being developed by students. The mentors role is very important, as they do not attempt to control the presentation, but are there to provide relevant information and valuable industry links – the students take responsibility for their presentations.  For an outline of the mentoring process click here.
 
We currently have a list of expert mentors ready to get involved with schools.  Once you have selected your workshop topic contact the education team and they'll  match you with a suitable mentor. Mentors can also come from within your own community and you're very welcome to source your own mentor who could be:
  • a teacher
  • other members of the school staff
  • coast action / coast care coordinators
  • Landcare coordinators
  • parents and grandparents with specific environmental interests
  • Catchment Management Authority
  • Coastal Board
  • Fisheries and Wildlife Advisors / officers
  • Agricultural industry contacts
  • National Parks Rangers
  • Aboriginal consultants
  • audio/visual and computer experts
  • rural industry people
  • Natural Resource and Environmental consultants
  • local government waste management people
  • State Government NRM Organisations
  • Scientists
  • Industry experts
Mentors should be chosen carefully as their role is crucial in exciting students and helping them to make commitment to preserve, conserve and repair their environment.  They are there not to control the presentation but to provide relevant information and to act as a role model for student presenters. 
 
Questioning technique is an important skill for students to learn. Aim for open ended questions and prepare students well in advance of the initial meeting with their mentor. 
 
What is expected of a Mentor? A mentor can contribute as little or as much as they like to assisting students with the development of their presentation. 
 
At a basic level we expect mentors to:
  • Visit the school and make an initial presentation to the class on their selected topic
  • Answer any questions the students may have and provide research material such as newsletters, books, useful websites, models or displays
  • Interact with the presenting group by reviewing their presentation notes and addressing questions as the research progresses – this is not an onerous task and can be done adequately via email
At a higher level we invite mentors to:
  • Organise with the class teacher to meet regularly with the presenting students and assist with providing research materials
  • Be present at the Conference to watch 'their' student group perform
  • Take students on tours, hands on learning and getting them involved in as many aspects of their research topic as possible
  • Provide displays, models etc for the presenting group to use at the Conference
Please note… mentors are not there to control the presentation, rather their role is to facilitate research and assist students as they direct their own learning. It is a hugely rewarding experience to see your group present.