Appendix A

Although telementoring can be defined in a variety of ways, several key features characterize most currently existing high-quality telementoring initiatives. Taken together, these elements can serve as the foundation for developing new mathematics telementoring programs in communities around the nation. A high-quality telementoring program generally includes:

• An Internet connection between students and adult mentors.

• Mentors who will work with students to improve their motivation and achievement in science and mathematics by providing one or more of the following:
  • Homework assistance, which involves helping students to develop strategies for solving difficult problems, guiding students to useful resources, evaluating student work, and providing constructive suggestions.
  • Enrichment activities geared towards challenging students in mathematics and science, which may include developing project ideas based on classroom materials or personal interests, guiding students to useful resources, evaluating student work, and providing constructive suggestions.
  • Information and guidance regarding career, college, and future opportunities. This involves sharing personal experiences, suggesting opportunities to students, encouraging students to reach for their goals, advising students throughout the decision process, and guiding students to useful resources.

• A program infrastructure, which includes:
  • A challenging program which helps students develop mathematical thinking skills, fosters student enthusiasm for mathematics, and enriches the classroom experience of students.
  • An on-line application process through which a matching system can be implemented.
  • A rigorous mentor screening process.
  • A statement defining the responsibilities of all participants.
  • Formal training and support for mentors, which may include on-line training sessions, a guidebook for mentors, a period of evaluation/apprenticeship, and an on-line forum for mentors to support one another, raise issues and concerns and exchange strategies.
  • A system that provides for rapid and regular response between the mentor and student.
  • A mechanism for facilitating regular communication between the mentor and the classroom teacher regarding classroom assignments, student progress, and curriculum integration of supplemental activities.
  • High-quality resource materials and activity plans for mentor and student use. Materials must be easily accessible and adaptable. Materials may range from the very basics of "how to get to know your mentor/ mentee" to a more complex task of "how to work on an in-depth research project."
  • A program evaluation system, which includes collecting standard survey data from mentors, mentees, and teachers, in addition to anecdotal responses.

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[ Other E-mail Based Programs ] [ Appendix B ]