One of the key goals of any academic program is to ensure that skills taught in the classroom apply to post-graduate employment. Failure to do so can impact an academic department's recruitment and retention efforts, strain relations with alumni and damage the institution's reputation. Using interviews conducted during a faculty externship at a…

Universities, health services and health students have a vested interest in the development of work-ready graduates to improve employment prospects, standards of practice and healthcare outcomes. Work integrated learning supports the transition of theoretical knowledge into professional practice, thus preparing students for their work following…

Mentoring is believed to be one of the most influential factors in US efforts to encourage college-aged students to seek careers in science, yet the role that mentoring plays in this process has not been elucidated. The researchers were interested in understanding whether the long-held beliefs about the importance of mentoring would be revealed as…

This article explores the importance of giving academics the space to be creative in developing new teaching materials in the context of a government drive to increase the quality of the student experience, and what this means for "academic staff development". Academics who have engaged with a UK Centre for Excellence in Teaching and…

Chronicles a year-long mentoring relationship at Kean University (New Jersey) through the eyes of the participants: one senior and tenured faculty member and one junior, first-year faculty member. States that the program is very successful in providing support to both new and seasoned faculty and allows participants to develop relationships with…

Discusses the importance of a mentoring program for community college faculty. Identifies characteristics of a good mentor, such as strong communication skills, and those of a good mentee, such as strong listening skills. Argues that a mentoring program is beneficial to the individuals involved, as well as to the community college. (Contains 19…