The Magic of Mentoring offers an introduction to the theory and practice of successful mentoring together with a unique focus on how mentors can reflect on the skills they bring to the role, and those they still need to develop. Through the use of scenarios, reflections and stories, the reader is encouraged to apply the content to a real context, demonstrating the importance of reflection for both parties and the benefits derived from this, especially those related to understanding ourselves and others.

Written by Carol Thompson, who has worked with a range of trainee teachers and mentors, this book draws from the author's own experience to explore the importance of self-development, and the ways in which this can be enhanced through practice. Reviewing key themes in relation to mentoring, including models and current practice, it considers the creation of a nurturing environment through effective communication as well as acknowledging the need to generate the right challenge for mentees. All aspects of mentoring are outlined, emphasising how personal development can improve the experience of your mentees, build your own confidence, enhance your transferable skills, and advance your own professional practice and relationships. Engaging activities are provided for mentors to undertake to support their own professional development.

The Magic of Mentoring is an ideal guide for all those studying coaching or mentoring on a formal programme or for anyone who mentors others in formal or informal settings. The structure of 15 concise chapters lends itself to referencing back and targeted reading for specific guidance.

About the Author

Carol Thompson is a Senior Lecturer in Teacher Education and Mentoring. Carol has had a range of teaching and management roles within the further education sector and for the past 10 years has been training teachers and mentors within the department of Teacher Education at the University of Bedfordshire. In addition she is an active researcher and a Fellow of the Further Education Trust for Leadership.

Reviews

"This book is an expertly written, imaginative, comprehensive and original book about mentoring in all its guises. The approach and tone of the book is authoritative but accessible, and it is packed with helpful ideas, thinking, research, reflections and activities which anyone in a position of helping another person learn through mentoring will find essential. If you just buy one book about mentoring, this should be it." - Dr. Jim Crawley, Senior Lecturer in Education Studies, Institute for Education, Bath Spa University.

"The Magic of Mentoring is an excellent guide and authoritative reference for students and practitioners alike. Thoroughly researched, it leaves no stone unturned in the world of coaching and mentoring. Numerous case studies, examples, exercises and stories make a vast array of models and approaches live, enabling the reader to relate to their own needs, situations and levels of experience. Lucid articulations of complex ideas are helpfully woven together in themes, forging insightful connections between the models and practices explained. An enjoyable and engaging read, The Magic of Mentoring fills a gap in the available literature and is no doubt destined to become a go-to reference for both budding and experienced mentors and coaches." - Darren Bourne, Director of Education, Confetti Institute of Creative Technologies, Nottingham Trent University.

"This very accessible practical book will be a key text for any educator interested in the role of a mentor. The model of mentoring as a democratic process that it explores is a highly principled approach that enables mutual learning and growth of both mentor and mentee with the potential to transform educational establishments into institutions permeated by growth and learning at every level." - Janice Wearmouth, Professor of Education, University of Bedfordshire.

"This book is an expertly written, imaginative, comprehensive and original book about mentoring in all its guises. The approach and tone of the book is authoritative but accessible, and it is packed with helpful ideas, thinking, research, reflections and activities which anyone in a position of helping another person learn through mentoring will find essential. If you just buy one book about mentoring, this should be it." - Dr. Jim Crawley, Senior Lecturer in Education Studies, Institute for Education, Bath Spa University.

"The Magic of Mentoring is an excellent guide and authoritative reference for students and practitioners alike. Thoroughly researched, it leaves no stone unturned in the world of coaching and mentoring. Numerous case studies, examples, exercises and stories make a vast array of models and approaches live, enabling the reader to relate to their own needs, situations and levels of experience. Lucid articulations of complex ideas are helpfully woven together in themes, forging insightful connections between the models and practices explained. An enjoyable and engaging read, The Magic of Mentoring fills a gap in the available literature and is no doubt destined to become a go-to reference for both budding and experienced mentors and coaches." - Darren Bourne, Director of Education, Confetti Institute of Creative Technologies, Nottingham Trent University.

"This very accessible practical book will be a key text for any educator interested in the role of a mentor. The model of mentoring as a democratic process that it explores is a highly principled approach that enables mutual learning and growth of both mentor and mentee with the potential to transform educational establishments into institutions permeated by growth and learning at every level." - Janice Wearmouth, Professor of Education, University of Bedfordshire.

"This accessible and timely book is a responsive contribution to how educationalists in the field of Adult and Further Education (and indeed beyond) can draw on the magic of mentoring to create a positive change for themselves as mentors and their mentees. It takes a step by step approach to developing and driving forward knowledge and skills; never dry it is highly creative and reflective in its democratic and deeply engaging approach. I highly recommend this text for those of you who want to weave your own magic in and out of their classrooms." - Professor Vicky Duckworth, Edge Hill University

"A thoroughly engaging and insightful book, which expertly draws together research, practice and personal reflection. Beautifully illustrated throughout. An essential read for those involved in the complexities of school leadership and mentoring." - Rob Negus, Arts Director, Camps Kenwood & Evergreen, New Hampshire.

"This is a very good book that provides a useful introduction to the theory and practice of successful mentoring. I really like the structure of this book as its 15 concise but engaging chapters introduce key concepts, explore theory and best practice and then recommend targeted reading for further study. Theoretical content includes Transactional Analysis, NLP, Emotional Intelligence, Johari's Window, Gibbs Reflective cycle and many more. Using the metaphor of a nurtured tree and by describing a sprinkling of magic in each chapter this best practice guide also provides engaging activities to support a mentors professional development. Highly recommended." - David Andrews, Loughborough College of Further & Higher Education

Book Information
ISBN 9781138309661
Author Carol Thompson
Format Paperback
Page Count 248
Imprint Routledge
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 317g