As an English teacher in a private school, I work with 25 eight-year-old students for five hours each week. My passion for teaching drives me to explore new strategies that can enhance my students' reading abilities and overall engagement in learning.

Recently, I’ve been facing challenges with my mentees in the Exploratory Action Research (EAR) process. During a conversation with Noa, we delved into the issue of my mentees relying heavily on my capabilities instead of taking ownership of their research. This reliance seems to stem from their busy schedules, lack of confidence in the research process, and limited time for preparing data collection tools.

Throughout our discussion, I recognized that my mentees might benefit from more specific feedback and guidance to help them improve their research skills. We explored the reasons behind their dependence on me as a mentor and identified that building their confidence could be key to encouraging greater agency in their work.

I felt a mix of frustration and determination regarding this situation. It was clear that while I want to support my mentees, I also want them to develop their own skills and confidence in conducting research. The conversation with Noa provided valuable insights into how I might approach this challenge moving forward.

One key takeaway was the importance of asking my mentees about their experiences and perceptions of the EAR process. This could help me understand their perspectives better and identify any barriers they face in taking ownership of their research. Additionally, providing specific tasks along with constructive feedback could empower them to engage more actively in their projects.

As I reflect on this experience, I am committed to fostering an environment where my mentees feel confident enough to take initiative in their research endeavors. By focusing on building their skills and providing tailored support, I hope to inspire them to embrace the research process fully.

In closing, it’s essential to remember that mentorship is not just about guiding others; it’s also about empowering them to find their own path. As educators, we have the opportunity to nurture independence and confidence in our students and mentees—let's seize that opportunity.