The author discusses the various definitions of the term "mentor" as revealed in the literature. Functions of mentors are listed and the mentor-protege relationship is discussed. (CH)

A survey of 138 proteges and 218 others not being mentored identified the frequency with which mentors or supervisors provided career/psychosocial functions. Mentors fulfilled a range of functions early in the relationship and continued to do so. The stimulated/challenged and psychosocial functions predominated. Nonmentors do not provide the…

The literature reveals two flawed approaches to mentoring: (1) popular consensus, in which each group defines mentoring for itself; and (2) the continuum approach, a range of professional patronage relationships. A more comparative approach across occupations may elicit themes and cross-disciplinary ideas to improve practice. (SK)

Suggests that adult education consultants must develop professional relationships with colleagues, know about available resources, and have a supportive network. Outlines ways in which consultants can gain access to and maximize use of resources. (Author)

A randomly-selected sample of 306 adults employed full-time rated how likely individuals would be to use various communication strategies (cost escalation, depersonalization, and state-of-the-relationship talk) to disengage from a workplace relationship (with the target of the deteriorations being a supervisor, a peer coworker, or a subordinate…

Reflecting on 30 years of working with many partners, the author offers some advice to those planning, especially for a first time, to research or write with others. In this article, he discusses when to collaborate, under what terms, and when to cease doing so. It assumes that working with others is, in principle, desirable but says little…

School change efforts to develop schools as learning communities result in schools that are constantly learning and thus changing. This collective case study of four schools involved in a 4-year reform effort begins to examine the ongoing sustainability of a learning community. The study draws insights about the sustainability of learning…

The purpose of this qualitative study was to discover leadership practices that integrate social justice and democratic community for student learning. Data were gathered through focus group discussions with school principals. The responses were transcribed verbatim, coded, and analyzed for emerging themes. Leadership practices that were…

This mixed methodology study was designed to examine the factors and the process by which mainstream university faculty members adopt and implement technology in teaching and learning. Data were collected through a survey administered to faculty from 3 academic colleges (N = 117) and interviews of selected survey respondents (N = 9). Path analysis…

The common view of a successful school includes a visible principal who communicates frequently about the school's pedagogical tasks, teaching and learning. In this article, a study about principals' communication with their teachers is presented. Twenty-four Swedish secondary schools are divided into four groups depending on how they meet…

By virtue of the non-profit nature of school education, a professional virtual community composed of teachers provides precious data to understand the processes of knowledge sharing and creation. Guided by grounded theory, the authors conducted a three-phased study on a teachers' virtual community in order to understand the knowledge flows among…

Much has been written recently about the role of the higher education chief information officer (CIO) and the qualifications expected of potential candidates. As one considers career paths for senior information technology (IT) leaders, one might also seek a better understanding of another senior position in higher education's IT arena--the role…

Last month Duke University's student newspaper published a letter signed by 17 economics professors. It said that, in the wake of the lacrosse scandal, the professors regretted the perception that Duke faculty members were prejudiced against some students. It also publicly welcomed all students--including lacrosse players--to enroll in the…

There is growing consensus that the single most important factor in determining student performance is the quality of the teacher. Therefore, if the national goal of providing an equitable education to children across this nation is to be met, it is critical that efforts be concentrated on developing and retaining high-quality teachers in every…

Despite clear evidence that formative assessment creates vantage points throughout the teaching-learning cycle for both teachers and students, research suggests that teachers are not taking advantage of the full cadre of formative assessment strategies available to them--particularly those that have been associated with improved student learning…