Mentoring Across Differences

Area of Science:

• Mentoring and professional development
• Diversity, equity, and inclusion in academia
• Adult learning theory

Background:

• Mentoring is crucial for career growth and satisfaction.
• Interpersonal dynamics and structural disadvantages (e.g., racism, gender bias) can negatively impact mentoring relationships.
• There is a need for training to address these challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the design and impact of Mentoring Across Differences (MAD) sessions.
• To equip mentors and mentees with skills to navigate differences.
• To foster self-awareness and mindful practice in mentoring.

Main Methods:

• Interactive workshop sessions based on adult learning theory.
• Utilized real-life cases to stimulate discussion and engagement.
• Employed small-group peer learning to co-create knowledge.

Main Results:

• 167 participants completed the course, with hundreds more attending faculty development sessions.
• Participants highly rated discussions on differences and increased awareness of their assumptions.
• Highlighted acquisition of knowledge and tools for addressing bias in mentoring and teaching roles.

Conclusions:

• MAD sessions serve as a valuable component of mentoring curricula and can be used independently.
• These sessions address a critical need for exploring differences to promote diversity and inclusion in academic settings.
• The workshops empower participants to confidently manage diverse mentoring relationships.