A Model for Progressive Mentoring in Science and Engineering Education and Research

Mentoring is useful in career development for the sciences and professions due to the cultures, skill sets, and experience-based learning in these fields. A framework for mentoring based on observations and data gathered as part of an international research and education project is presented. Students with multiple levels of experience and background were placed with researchers resulting in an effective progressive mentoring structure. The article focuses on students’ and mentors’ experiences. The model is discussed in terms of the Zone of Proximal Development of Vygotsky.