MENTORING & COACHING

Are you wondering what the difference between mentoring and coaching is?

Why would
YOU
need it?

Well, read further and you will know.

MISLEADING? Not anymore!

These two terms can be really confusing and many people interchange them or use them as equivalents. However, based on academic literature it is obvious that they mean something different. If you want to know more, just keep reading. You can contact me if there is something you need to explain or discuss.

MENTORING

WHO IS A MENTOR?

a person who listens, helps, advises & is nonjudgemental

a critical friend who suggests ideas to somebody else at the same level (a teacher)

a co-enquirer - somebody who is equal, looks at problems with you together

WHY IS A MENTOR IMPORTANT OR NEEDED?

A mentor functions not only as a guide, or an advisor but also as moral support. A mentor provides you with a feedback on your professional practice. It is efficient as we focus on problems in your own teaching. Someone who is a stranger to you usually see things from a different perspective, see what you might not, and can give you an objective and constructive feedback.

Moreover, a mentor doesn't look only for imperfections but also highlights what you do well and in what you should persist.

WHAT MAKES A GOOD MENTOR?

the same field of interest

being a good listener

empathy

open-mindedness

responsiveness to your real needs

enthusiasm

WHO MAY NEED A MENTOR'S HELP?

teachers/tutors

A language mentor is for (not only starting) teachers who are either self-employed or employed who look for someone who understands teaching and would give them feedback.
As a mentor works to a certain level as a psychologist, teachers or even students can come to me to share their concerns, langauge problems and discuss them and further steps with me.
For teachers it may concern modernization of your teaching materials or adoption of new materials you haven't used; help with applying new approaches, methods, materials into practice.

students/learners

A language mentor is for all students, mainly those who study on their own but need some guidance, a person with who they would share their achievements, success but also difficulties.
Students who prefer self-studying but would like to learn some new communicative & learning strategies.
Students who need suggestions for language skills improvement, activities, tasks, materials etc.
Students who need only guidance before exams e.g. understanding how Cambridge exams work.

COACHING

WHO IS A COACH?

A language trainer who pushes language students to meet their aims.

A trainer who provides support and strength on the way.

WHY IS A COACH NEEDED?

It is the same like in sports. Sports(wo)men need a trainer/coach who pushes them, leads them to fulfils their dreams and supports them when they lack strength or loose enthusiasm as well as motivation.

A GOOD COACH IS ?

determined to help and lead
excellent with deadlines
supportive and open-minded
able to set reachable targets
thorough & strict
inspiring and motivating

WHO NEEDS A COACH?

People may need a language coach for different reasons. Usually the students who cannot motivate themselves, cannot bring themselves to self-studying. They cannot set right aims and learning habits. Their initial enthisuasm fades away quickly or they don't see their progress.

Coaching is now part of the lessons, but a new separate coaching program will be available soon. Contact me for more information. :)