Mentoring in learning development

Abstract

Learning Development is still a relatively young field (Syska and Buckley, 2022), and despite a growing body of research, it remains strongly practice-oriented. This means that experience, in this case of individual Learning Developers, takes an even more central place than it does in more established fields, and sharing this experience through mentoring takes on a central role. This is why the mentoring working group has developed a Learning Development focused ALDinHE Mentoring Scheme, together with a Certified Mentor recognition that helps experienced mentors be recognised for their contribution to growing and sharing LD knowledge. This mini keynote briefly introduced the Mentoring Scheme and the CeM recognition before exploring the role mentoring can play in the professional development of Learning Developers with the audience. The questions we asked were: What benefits would you expect for mentees? What benefits would you expect for mentors? What kind of experience can be best shared through mentoring?

Keywords

• mentoring
• peer support
• professional development
• values-based LD
• professional recognition
• sharing practice