SOPHIE (Self-Exploration Through Ontological, Phenomenological, Humanistic, Ideological and Existential Expressions): A Mentoring Framework

Abstract

This chapter is based upon a presentation held as part of a "Developing Social Sciences Curriculum" symposium held at the University of Huddersfield in the summer of 2017. Within this chapter we present a discussion of what we consider to be the key elements that shape the developing curricula and the impact of pedagogy upon the learner. We suggest that a combination of mentoring and solution-focussed teaching and learning within a heutagogical approach will enhance the student experience. To achieve this, educators must adopt a holistic approach to education; however, educators and mentors in their interaction with learners and mentees generally do not have the skills to engage with the spiritual domain of holistic practice. This chapter concludes by offering to the reader a framework that can be used by an educator or mentor to facilitate effective holistic practice. Tinto (1975 and 1987) is the most widely referenced and discussed model that attempts to explain how and why students do not succeed in the higher education environment. Tinto acknowledges that students will enter higher education with a variety of characteristics: age, background, skills, education, ability, motivation, intention and commitments. Distinctly, Tinto postulates that it is the institution itself, and the systems and processes inherent within it that influence success, not what has happened prior to entry. Tinto suggests that integration into the institutional community is crucial to enhance and promote a successful learning experience. Intentions and commitment are, he suggests, key influential determinants of success. Tinto describes intentions, as goals, of which there may be significant variance. Goals may range from those of an extrinsic nature, such as simply to gain a degree, qualification, higher wage or of a more intrinsic form such as valuing the experience of education or an altruistic desire to help a community.