In this step, we present the model to stakeholders and beneficiaries such as School Board, School Authorities, Funding Agency, Mentors, Teachers and Mentees.

Objectives:

• Raise awareness about the program concept, implementation process, roles, responsibilities and expected outcome
• Collect input from schools related to implementation feasibility
• Collect input from schools and mentors related to willingness and availability to participate in the program implementation

 

In this step Mentors and Mentees are enrolled for participating in the program. The method of enrolment is as below.

Mentor:

• Mentors are solicited via emails, advertisement and word of mouth. Willingness and Commitment are two key considerations during the screening process.

Mentee:

• Using recommendation from the schools, and survey-based screening, the interested mentees with parental consent will be selected to participate. This process may involve an audition and interview.

After enrolment, the participants will be formally connected and an orientation will be provided to explain the program objective, implementation process, roles, responsibilities and expectations.

 

This is the core of the mentoring process where the Mentors and Mentees interact for a period of 4 months. Mentors and Mentees meet on campus for face-face interactions every weekend spanning an entire day. Between these visits, virtual meetings using online platforms and phone calls will be conducted for continuity and follow-up.

Part of the campus visits and the virtual meetings are tailored toward skills training and script making for the video. Remaining day of the campus visits and the phone calls are more unstructured giving room for building personal connection.

Students get mentored in the following areas

• 1. Device Engineering or 3D Printing
• 2. Teaching Skills

• i. Mentors teach them one particular device or teach the students to make one 3D Printed product using different softwares
• ii. Students will also be trained in Soft skills like communication and presentation skills by Mentors
• iii. Mentors & Mentees together prepare teaching aids(graphics, animation, images) and script for their 10 mins teaching video using the template provided

 

Mentees teach the content using the prepared teaching aids and script. This teaching is recorded in NPTEL Studio, IIT Madras. The videos are made available in an online portal and are also disseminated in government schools

 

This is usually the last step during an implementation process. But it starts at the beginning and data collection happens through out the implementation period. While some data is used for streamlining the implementation, others are used for analysing to see the effectiveness of the program.

Objectives:

• Smoothen implementation based on feedback data
• Analyse data to evaluate impact created by the program
• Make recommendations for future program building based on outcome

1.What is the program about?

In this program, as mentors, you will interact with mentees (classes IX, X, XI, XII from rural government higher secondary schools) for a period of time to help develop a script for making Maths, Science, Device Engineering & 3D Printing teaching videos and therefore your interactions with them will be towards, teaching the content (aligned with Samacheer Kalvi Syllabus) and training the mentees to deliver the content.

2. What will I get out of this program?

Non-Tangible:
• Network with experts and professionals
• Network with Peers from the institution
• Knowledge from preparation, teaching and mentoring
• Satisfaction of making a difference in a rural student’s life
• Development of self-confidence

Tangible:
• Development of technical skills related to 3D Printing Design and Print using soft wares.
• Development of skills related to communication, presentation, teaching, planning (which will be of great use in your future profession)
• Recommendation letter from Faculty; Professional Certificate in appreciation of your work.

3. Is the program funded?

Yes. This project is funded by DST (Government funding from Department of Science and Technology)

4. What is the overall implementation duration?

From Concept Awareness to Program evaluation, the entire implementation duration will be a full calendar year. Mentors will be engaged for a 5 to 6 months period including orientation/training and mentoring interactions.

5. How many school students will benefit?

Depending on the number of Mentors, the number of Mentees will be decided and accordingly the number of schools.

6. How will the participants be selected?

Mentors will be solicited through institution email, flyer and word of mouth. After an orientation, mentors can volunteer to enrol in the program. Mentees will be selected with the assistance of the school authorities and a structured screening process.

7. How many videos?

Depending on the no. of Mentors who sign up for the program, the no. of videos will also vary.

8. Why 10mins video?

Keeping in mind the interest factors, engagement quality and recommendations from studies that talk about attention span, our videos will be 10mins in total length. This will give a feeling that the concept is easy to learn so the students will approach it with a positive attitude. Also, in 10mins even complex topics have to be broken down to their simplest form. This makes teaching and learning easy.

9. There are so many videos out there. Why one more?

Most videos presently available are being taught by adult professionals. They cater mainly to urban population. Other videos in regional language lack innovation and quality. In our videos

• Government school students will be teachers.
• Teaching will be in regional language.
• High quality animations and graphics with innovative application information will be a major part.
• Content will be prepared by the Government school students (mentees) through rigorous mentoring and training.

10. Where will the video be recorded?

The videos will be recorded in NPTEL recording studio

11. How many months is my engagement duration?

Your engagement with the program begins with content preparation and training/orientation prior to the connection with the Mentee. Mentoring period is 4 months. Together Approximately 5 to 6 months of engagement in the program is expected.

12. How many hours in a month will I have to spend?

It is expected that you spend 4 to 6hrs per mentee visit to campus. These visits will be distributed as 12 visits over four months.

13. What kind of preparation am I expected to do?

A brush through of high school Science and Mathematics basics will help. Getting organized will help in planning time efficiently. Communicating your situation and needs will help us help you through the process.

14. What kind of skills do I need to be a Mentor?

As a mentor, it is important to be a good communicator and efficient planner. Besides these, some qualities like being empathetic, being open minded and comfort with adolescent age children will be useful.

15. What sort of training will I get?

The Mentor orientation will make you aware of the implementation process, general tendencies of adolescents, background of mentees and the mentoring interaction content.

If your Mentoring area is 3D printing, you will get 3D printing training from the technical staff.

All the Mentors will be given orientation in Non-Cognitive skills like communication, presentation.

16. Will I have a partner to work with?

Yes. You will provide mentoring jointly with a Mentor Partner.

17. What will happen if for some unforeseen reasons, I have to withdraw in the middle of the program?

It is best not to be in this situation. But if it is required, the project office will have to make decisions on a case-by-case basis. Depending on how far in to the program you are, your partner may be provided support from the project team or may be a new Mentor.

18. Should I visit the school? How will I go to school?

Although visiting the school for meetings is not mandated, it is permissible and encouraged when possible as it will strengthen Mentor understanding of Mentee learning environment. On such occasions, the project office will arrange the visit.

19. Will I have to meet any expenses related to the mentoring visits/interactions?

It is not expected that you will spend for the program.

20. Will the Mentees visit the campus?

Yes. Face to Face interactions will happen when Mentees visit the institution campus.

21. Will teacher accompany the students when they come to campus?

Yes. A teacher / Parent will accompany the Mentees

22. If I am not able to attend 1 session, what should I do?

Since the number of visits are limited, it is preferred that meetings are not missed. However, in unavoidable circumstances, this can be worked out on a case-by-case basis. If your partner can be assigned the work in your absence and if follow up can be done prior to the next meeting, the absence can be managed. On rare occasions when this arrangement is not possible, project office will help reschedule the meeting.

23. I do not speak Tamil; can I still participate?

It is important for Mentors to speak the regional language to provide mentoring. However, there may be matches where it may work. This will be determined on case-by-case basis. i.e., if 1 out of the 2 Mentors is fluent in the regional language; Mentee is from English medium class/school.

24. Am I expected to make my own graphics for the video?

No. You along with your Mentee can identify where and what kind of graphics will be suitable for your script. A separate team will do the graphics as per the requirements. But if you have the skills to do the graphics, you are welcome to do it on your own following the guidelines provided.

25. Do I get to pick the Mentee?

No. The project team does the match making. Mentor-Mentee matches are based on many factors like background, mutual interests etc.

26. Will I be working with the same Mentee?

Yes. Mentor-Mentee matches are maintained throughout the implementation period

27. How many interactions will I get with the Mentee?

3 interactions per month for 4 months

28. Should I follow up with the Mentee between the visits?

Phone calls and virtual meetings can be held whenever necessary

29. Where is the Mentor-Mentee interactions going to happen?

It will be in the institute (HEI) campus.

30. Can I plan other activities with the Mentees?

Time is allotted for Mentor-Mentee relationship building. You can plan for any activities following the guidelines provided.

31. a. What will I do if the Mentee is not able to work with me?

During such difficulties the project team can be contacted for guidance and help.

b. What will I do if the Mentee is not able to work with the content?

Depending on the need either a new topic or extra help will be provided

32. Who should I report to?

You will be reporting to the project team

33. Should I report after each interaction?

Yes. Reporting is mostly done through feedback Google forms or connect with the project team via e-mail or phone call

34. What kind of reference documents will be provided?

A document containing Teaching Templates, Mentoring Guidelines, Implementation Structure and FAQ will be provided.

35. Who will evaluate progress?

The project team along with experts and professionals will evaluate progress periodically

36. How do I know if I am on the right track?

Self-evaluation forms will be provided to keep track. The project team will closely monitor and feedback will be given regularly

37. Will I get credits?

No. Academic Credits will not be given.

38. What sort of recognition will I get?

Recognition in the form of a Recommendation/Appreciation letter, participation certificates will be given. Digital Badge, Voucher Gifts may also be given.

39. Will I get stipend for being a Mentor?

No.