“Desarrollo y evaluación de una experiencia piloto de mentoría con estudiantes de primer ciclo de Educación Superior a Distancia, Centro Universitario Asociado de Tumbaco, ciclo Octubre 2014-Febrero 2015”

Abstract

This paper has been developed in Quito in Tumbaco Center with four mentorees as participants. The purpose of this investigation is to implement a new actor into the higher education distance learning system at UTPL: the mentor. In the first moment of this research several models and other theoretical approaches are gathered together as a contribution to the discussion of the mentor role and the role of a mentoring program within an institution. At the second moment mentor-mentored methodological paths are established and inquiry tools such as: field surveys and face-to-face meetings. Finally, the theoretical approaches proposed and the findings of the research are related. A mentoring manual proposal for distance learning is presented for discussion offering solutions for the main problems found. Additionally it is stated that the mentoring program continuity will allow the first cycle students to integrate within the distance learning system, improve their academic achievement and contribute to the reduction of drop-outs. The academic reader should review the main recommendations and proposals which are developed throughout the mentoring manual at the end of this paper.