2.4 Types of Mentoring

There are different types of mentoring, each offering unique values and opportunities. According to Buell (2004), the different types of mentoring and their distinct characteristics include:

Formal Mentoring

• Structured programs match mentors and mentees;
• Generally focuses on specific goals; and
• Provides accountability based on formal contracts between mentors and mentees.

Informal Mentoring

• Mentoring is self-selected;
• Arises out of an established relationship; and
• Tends to be more relaxed.

Traditional Face-to-Face Mentoring

• Communication occurs in pre-arranged meetings;
• Is a two-way learning process with a mutual exchange of ideas; and
• Relies on a trustworthy relationship.

E-Mentoring

• Uses electronic technologies as primary tools for communication;

• Provides convenient access for mentor-mentee interactions;

• Increases flexibility and helps development of technological skills;
• Facilitates reverse mentoring across generations;
• Is environmentally friendly (reduces the need for travel and paper use); and
• Complements or extends traditional in-person meetings.

Multiple Mentoring

• Useful in informal mentoring arrangements;
• Offers several role models as mentors with one person serving as the primary mentor;
• Capitalizes on varying expertise of individual mentors; and
• Mentors work together in the best interests of the mentee.

Group Mentoring

• Matches experienced mentors with multiple mentees;
• Enables robust knowledge transfer among mentees;
• Allows for multiple viewpoints and additional learning opportunities; and
• Useful in complex research projects that can benefit from a greater pool of mentees.

Tiered Mentoring

• Effective practice for STEM research;
• Involves scaffolding of faculty mentors, graduate students, undergraduates, and possibly high school students;
• Allows for the direct cross pollination of research skills and ideas; and
• Fosters an active community of learners.

Mentoring types vary. They are contingent upon the needs, circumstances, and extant resources of the students or research projects. The mentoring process can evolve from one type to another over time or have elements of several types that suit a particular style of mentor or project.