Mentoring is not well developed in schools in the UK - although I have seen moving examples of good practice from the USA. Traditionally ‘mentoring’ in schools has been about the pastoral oversight and provision of formal guidance, often in relation to ‘Options Choices' or ‘Careers Guidance’. However, ‘mentors’ in the e-Portfolio context should be understood as academic ‘godparents’ promising to watch over the young student, giving testimony as to their relationship with the student and how they intend to encourage both academic and social endeavour. Termly or half-termly comments posted on the e-Portfolio by the mentor as a ‘neutral’ and respected mediator provide an illuminating addition to the support that both teachers and parents can provide. In FE/HE some good conventional examples exist of mentoring using alumni in both formal and informal contexts. However, as far as I can see these sessions could have been very much enhanced by using the collaborative or recording features of an e-Portfolio.
Ray Tolley
