A one-way transmission of a concept is counter to a philosophy of developmental learning which involves partnership, shared responsibility and common interests. Thus it seemed more appropriate to investigate the metaphor of the mentor as suggested by some other staff developers. As for type one, as much as it is pleasant to meet colleagues, it is not possible be a friend to so many lecturers , but it is possible to be friendly to a selection of people. Thus, the idea was adopted of developing networks of enthusiastic contacts from each teaching area. Then, through discussion, it was attempted to encourage the contacts to promote the idea of peer support.
Simple examples spring to mind.
He wanted to spend time learning about the importance of objectives. Another had just discovered the use of an Advance Organiser and wanted to discuss this strategy. Having to be responsible for planning a unit outline stimulated a relatively new member of staff to seek information on curriculum planning. When asked what was uppermost in their minds, new colleagues spoke of shortage of time, the worry of presenting interesting lectures, surviving the stress of mass lectures, holding the attention of students and the need to develop other presentational skills. Frustration caused by lack of time and knowledge about how and where to find information was often mentioned.