An Investigation Into Mentoring Practices of Faculty Who Mentor Undergraduate Researchers at a Hispanic Serving Institution

Authors

Christopher M. Estepp, Sul Ross State UniversityFollow
Joseph G. Velasco, Sul Ross State University
Avery L. Culbertson, Fresno State University
Nathan W. Conner, University of Nebraska–LincolnFollow

Document Type

Article

Date of this Version

2016

Citation

Published in Journal of Hispanic Higher Education (2016)
DOI: 10.1177/1538192716661906

Comments

© 2016 Estepp, Velasco, Culbertson, Conner. Published by SAGE Publications. Used by permission.

Abstract

Research has shown the benefits of undergraduate research; however, few studies have examined mentors of undergraduate researchers. The purpose of this study was to investigate the practices of mentors who have successfully mentored Hispanic undergraduate researchers. Findings from this study suggested that mentors should focus on interacting with students, listen to and understand students’ interests, be organized, require students to be responsible, and monitor students’ work. Recommendations for practice and research have been provided.

Resumen
La investigación ha demostrado los beneficios de investigación de pregrado, sin embargo, pocos estudios han examinado mentores de investigación de pregrado. El propósito de este estudio fue el de investigar las prácticas de menores que han guiado exitosamente investigadores hispanos de pregrado. Los hallazgos sugieren que los mentores deben enfocarse en la interacción con los estudiantes, escuchar y entender intereses estudiantiles, ser organizados, requerir que los estudiantes sean responsables, y monitorear el trabajo de los estudiantes. Recomendaciones prácticas para la investigación se proveen.