The 2nd Key - Mentors, not Professors

What is a mentor? Within the TJed community I have heard mentoring described as helping someone find and accomplish their mission.

What I really like about this key is the focus on the student. I taught at a university (as a graduate student) and at a community college. The difference between the teaching styles at the two types of schools is very similar to the difference between a professor and a mentor. At the university level, the emphasis is on the professor. The student is force fed information and if they get it, great. If they don't, it is their fault and they need to figure out how to get it. I actually got reprimanded for giving too many "A's" out the year I taught as a grad student! The lecture professor's bell curve got thrown out of wack. The individual students didn't seem to make any difference, especially at the under graduate level. At the community college level it was very different. I was required to attend workshops that focused on teaching to students' different learning styles. I was evaluated based on how well my students learned the material. Which students got a better education? In my opinion, the community college students. This experience definitely influenced my receptivity to TJed.

How can I use this key as we learn about business? I have been thinking about this one a lot because it dictates how I teach. Or, do I even really teach? I really need to act more like a detective and then a facilitator. First I have to figure out what my students want to learn and then I have to help them find out about it. My older boys want to learn how to make money when they are too young to get real jobs. One of the first things I am going to talk to them about is different ways of making money. They can make things and then sell them, they can sell things other people have made, and they can provide a service. But how to get this information through to them in a way that will help them accomplish their mission?

As a mentor, I really need the 3rd Key -- Inspire, not require. More on this tomorrow!