Research Mentoring Training

Ohio State Mentoring Initiative

Strong mentorship has been linked to enhanced trainee productivity, self-efficacy, career satisfaction, and is an important predictor of the academic success of scientists and engineers in training. The Center for the Improvement of Mentored Experiences in Research (CIMER) has developed a curriculum based on proven mentorship development curricula, which is used in the design of this training. The topics are universal and they fit fields outside of STEM.

Federal funding agencies are calling for evidence-based development of mentoring skills as an important component of successful grant proposals. By participating in this workshop faculty will develop and/or enhance their mentoring skills and receive resources and materials to support effective mentoring of undergraduate and graduate students as well as postdoctoral trainees.

Learning Outcomes
  • Effectively establish and communicate mutual expectations for the mentoring relationship
  • Communicate effectively across diverse dimensions including various backgrounds, disciplines, generations, ethnicities, positions of power, etc.
  • Assess their mentees’ understanding of core concepts and processes
  • Identify various reasons for a lack of understanding, including expert-novice differences
  • Provide constructive feedback
  • Use multiple strategies to enhance mentee understanding across diverse disciplinary perspectives
  • Improve and expand understanding of equity and inclusion, and how diversity influences mentor-mentee interactions
  • Employ various strategies to build mentee confidence, establish trust, and foster independence
  • Identify the roles mentors play in the overall professional development of their mentees
  • Articulate a mentoring philosophy and plan

 

"The workshops for the Research Mentoring Endorsement were highly interactive, with many opportunities for discussion and self-reflection on our mentoring styles. The concrete examples, like sample contracts and case studies, have been valuable resources for outlining expectations for my students and communicating them clearly." -- Adriana Dawes, professor, Department of Mathematics

 

"Research mentoring training provided new skills, approaches, and insights into how best to connect with each of my trainees individually.” -- Seth Weinberg, associate professor, Biomedical Engineering

Participation Requirements

Participants will need to attend all three workshops (choose either in-person or webinar delivery method) and complete the surveys as well as the pre-workshop readings and activities:

Parts 1 and 2: Better Research through Better Mentoring

Part 1 topics:

  • Aligning expectations
  • Assessing understanding
  • Fostering independence

Part 2 topics:

  • Effective communication
  • Promoting professional development
  • Articulating your mentoring plan

Part 3: Addressing Equity and Inclusion in Your Research Mentoring 

 

The workshops are offered through the Ohio State Mentoring Initiative and are open to the following individuals:

  • All faculty (new, tenure-track, tenured, associated)
  • Postdoctoral scholars
  • Senior graduate students

For more information about the program and to register for an upcoming workshop, visit https://u.osu.edu/osmi/

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VERIFICATION OF PARTICIPATION

The final teaching endorsement application will require you to upload a signed completion of criteria document from an Ohio State Mentoring Initiative administrator.

Required Hours
12
Timeline for Completion
1-4 academic terms