Non scholae sed vitae: Teaching Beyond Classroom Walls Through Group Mentoring

Abstract

Mentoring is an ever-growing phenomenon which is manifest within STEM specifically, as well within undergraduate education at large. Despite its centrality to career success, mentoring is not very well institutionalized and is often de-prioritized by university departments. In addition, contemporary mentoring focuses mainly on the dyadic mentor-mentee relationship, while largely neglecting other alternative forms. Based off of these facts, the PI created a new initiative, the Mentoring Talks, wherein group mentoring is provided for students and faculty at the American University of Beirut (AUB). The creation and implementation of this initiation at the AUB was designed specifically based on documented educational theory. Furthermore, speakers at said talks stem from a wide range of occupations, yet nevertheless share one aspect in common; their perseverance in the face of adversity. Seminal review papers highlight key qualities of effect group mentoring; these characteristics are detailed in this commentary, as well as an outline of how each one is actualized by the Mentoring Talks initiative. These attributes include providing an equitable environment for mentoring, kindling an atmosphere of social support, emphasizing mentee self-valuation and expanding mentees’ networking opportunities. It is the intention of the PI that this initiative will inspire similar lectureships in universities across the world, in order to further strengthen institutional mentoring and ultimately help students achieve career and life success. Special consideration is also given to the challenges of providing group mentoring during the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on the shift from in-person to digital methods of communication and lectureship.