In the search for the ideal mentor by applying the ‘Mentoring for effective teaching practice instrument’

Abstract

The study aims to explore and analyse the perceived experiences of Slovenian pre-service teachers with their mentors during their teaching practicum, by using the ‘Mentoring for effective teaching practice instrument (METPI)’. Conclusions were based on 105 responses using paper and pencil, collected from Slovenian pre-service teachers in their 4th year of study. The initial set of 62 items was shortened to 36 items for inclusion in the models. From two concurrent SEM models, it was concluded that students found their experiences related to Hudson’s five-factor model, consisting of personal attributes of their mentor, modelling, pedagogical knowledge, system requirements and feedback, to be satisfactory, while their experience pertaining to Information and Communication Technology as a new, additional factor with reference to their mentor, was unsatisfactory. Several recommendations are made related to the dimensions, especially pertaining to Information and Communication Technology (ICT) tools.