Mentoring and Coaching in Higher Education’s Project Based Learning

Abstract

Universities may choose to do teaching learning the traditional way or moving to project based learning. Should they choose project based learning, the next option is whether they choose mentoring or coaching to nurse students’ project. This research is a literature research to explore the advantage and disadvantages of mentoring and coaching for project base learning. While many think that coaching and mentoring are the same, they actually are not. Mentoring is more informal, more on directing and providing solution to the mentee’s problem. Coaching is more structured but it inspires and empowers coachee to find answer on their own. The various projects by students create problems for mentor because lecturer who acts as mentor has inadequate knowledge and experience to answer questions. Coaching is a more viable solution as facilitator guide students with questions so they can find answer to their problem. The rigid structure of coaching can be made more informal so coachee will be more open and honest. The coming AEC in 2015 is a good opportunity and will stress the importance of coaching as diverse culture will enrich experience, communication and understanding in coaching