Research
Research is the foundation of Global Talent Mentoring and essential for ensuring that our use of educational technology is accountable, effective, and self-improving. Research findings predating the start of mentoring activities—both literature reviews and our own original empirical findings—played a pivotal role in the conceptual development of Global Talent Mentoring. Likewise, research will continue over the lifetime of the program to assess program effectiveness, learn more about talent development with online mentoring, and continually improve the concept and implementation of Global Talent Mentoring.
Preparation of Global Talent Mentoring
The preparation of Global Talent Mentoring—conceptual-ization, planning, and development of the online platform—applied research in these areas:
Extensive review of existing research
Analyzing existing mentoring programs
Our research team analyzed existing online mentoring programs (e.g., CyberMentor) to identify factors that contribute to successful online mentoring experiences (e.g., matching criteria, communication behavior and patterns, online platform features). These insights were utilized for developing the concept of Global Talent Mentoring. They are consistently applied to maximize the benefits of Global Talent Mentoring for its participants.
Needs assessments for Global Talent Mentoring
In order to determine the essential elements to be included in Global Talent Mentoring, questionnaires were developed for and completed by potential mentees and mentors at several points during the conceptual planning process. With the help of the needs assessments, our research team identified key elements for facilitating mentees’ and mentors’ success in Global Talent Mentoring. These elements include specific training and mentoring modules as well as ongoing support during the mentoring experience.
Surveys
Based on these comprehensive and multi-level research efforts, the research team has developed the Global Talent Mentoring program concept and applied it to programming Global Talent Mentoring’s own online platform. The online platform has been designed to maximize program effectiveness while simultaneously providing an enjoyable and engaging user experience.
Effectiveness of Global Talent Mentoring
Short-term effectiveness
Mid-term effectiveness
Long-term effectiveness
Research Publications
Effective and Sustainable Online Mentoring for STEMM Talent Development: Proceedings of the 2019 Regensburg International Expert Meeting (web-friendly version) (printing-optimized version)