A structured programme to develop novice researchers at the University of South Africa
Abstract
English: The article reports the views of mentors forming part of a structured mentoring
programme to develop novice researchers in one college at the University of South
Africa. The study was conceptualised according to the constructivist learning
theory and the self-efficacy theory. The survey determined the views of 36 mentors
by means of a questionnaire. It was found that the majority of the mentors are
dedicated to the project. A number of challenges were identified, including a lack of
quality time for the project, inadequate institutional support and a lack of training
in certain issues, including the influence of mentoring style, how to negotiate rules
and give feedback, how to deal with gender and cultural differences, and how to
address negative mentee emotions. Afrikaans: Die artikel rapporteer die sienings van mentors wat deel vorm van ’n gestruktureerde
mentorprogram om beginnernavorsers te ontwikkel in een kollege aan die Universiteit
van Suid-Afrika. Die studie is gekonseptualiseer volgens die konstruktiwistiese
leertoerie en die selfdoeltreffendheidsteorie. Die menings van 36 mentors is met
behulp van ’n vraelys bepaal. Daar is bevind dat die meeste mentors tot die program
verbind is. ’n Aantal uitdagings is geïdentifiseer, insluitende ’n tekort aan kwaliteittyd
vir die projek, ’n gebrek aan institusionele steun, en ’n gebrek aan opleiding in sekere
kwessies. Laasgenoemde sluit kwessies in soos die invloed van mentorstyl, hoe om oor
reëls te onderhandel en terugvoering te gee, hoe om geslags- en kultuurverskille te
hanteer, en hoe om negatiewe protégé-emosies te hanteer.