CIP

Mentoring Adult Learners with Fewer Opportunities

Mentoring adult learners with fewer opportunities is crucial for fostering inclusive mobility and supporting lifelong learning. It differs significantly from mentoring typical adult learners due to their unique challenges and needs. This module introduces the principles, skills, and attitudes necessary to mentor disadvantaged learners effectively. Through understanding challenges, applying flexible strategies, and encouraging self-directed learning, mentors can create equitable educational environments that empower learners to overcome barriers and achieve personal growth.

Mentoring adult learners from disadvantaged backgrounds differs significantly from mentoring typical adult learners due to their unique challenges and needs. While usual learners often require structured guidance for goal-setting and skill development, disadvantaged learners face additional socio-economic, emotional, and experiential barriers such as financial constraints, low self-esteem, and negative past educational experiences. Mentors must invest more time in building trust, providing emotional support, and tailoring approaches to meet diverse needs. They often play broader roles, acting as advocates and problem-solvers, while focusing on fostering self-efficacy and resilience. Unlike typical learners, who are often self-directed and motivated by career aspirations, disadvantaged learners may require greater encouragement and support to recognise their strengths and see the relevance of learning to improve their circumstances. By addressing systemic challenges, linking learners to resources, and celebrating small achievements, mentoring can be transformative for disadvantaged learners, fostering inclusion, empowerment, and long-term growth.

This module focuses on equipping trainers with the knowledge and skills to mentor or coach adult learners from disadvantaged backgrounds. You will gain a comprehensive understanding of adult learning principles, explore barriers faced by disadvantaged learners, and learn strategies to build trust and motivate mentees effectively.

Key learning objectives:

  • Master the six foundational principles of andragogy and their application in mentoring.
  • Identify and address emotional, and experiential barriers faced by disadvantaged learners.
  • Develop practical strategies to build trust and motivation, fostering an environment conducive to learning.

TRAIL in application

Narrative Report from trainer about the piloting experiences.

The Dos:

  • Check and ensure learners are able to access digital platforms used
  • Incorporate multimedia resources (e.g., videos, interactive quizzes).
  • Provide clear instructions, training and guidelines for online activities.

The Don’ts:

  • Avoid complex digital tools that may confuse users.
  • Refrain from using inaccessible formats for materials.
  • Don’t overload learners with too many simultaneous tasks.
Activities
Role-Play Mentoring Session

Conduct a role-play mentoring session to practice how to motivate, prepare, and encourage an adult learner, Mary, who is one week away from departing for a 1-month on-the-job training abroad (as part of a 6-month long up-skilling course locally). This is Mary’s first time living abroad, and she is anxious and feels overwhelmed with preparation work.

You are Mary’s trainer in her home country, and you are conducting the final coaching session before her departure.

TASK:

  1. Find a partner to take on the role of Mary.

  2. Conduct a 10-minute coaching session focusing on how you would support Mary in managing her anxiety and feeling prepared for her departure.

  3. After the session, get feedback from your partner on your approach and its impact.

  4. Reflect on the experience, noting areas of strength and potential improvement.

Take the Quiz! (to be updated)

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit. Optio, neque qui velit. Magni dolorum quidem ipsam eligendi, totam, facilis laudantium cum accusamus ullam voluptatibus commodi numquam, error, est. Ea, consequatur.