Strategies for a Successful Project

This page contains tools and suggestions from existing DRPs for managing a directed reading project.
Running a Meeting with Your Mentee

Throughout the term, mentors meet with mentees to discuss what they have learned from their reading and to gauge the mentee's progress. Here are some strategies to get mentees engaged in their project without merely reciting the text they read:
  • Begin the meeting by asking the student to work on a proof or problem at the board.
  • Ask questions that were not covered in the text. For example, if the mentee is proving a theorem, ask them why the theorem would fail if you eliminated an axiom.
  • Check in with your mentee regularly, especially if they start missing meetings. Let your committee know if you're having trouble keeping your mentee on track.
  • Take a look at the National Mentoring Resource Center's website to find more strategies for effective mentorship.
Background Readings on Learning & Inclusive Mentorship
See Abigail Stewart's slides on the Workshop page for more references.