Get to Know: Eva Minde, Mentor

How long have you been teaching? Which subjects? How long have you been a Quest Forward mentor?

Eva Minde: I have been teaching for two years now, in Chemistry and Biology. It has been almost one year now since becoming a Quest Forward Learning mentor.

What was your own education like? What made you want to become an educator?

EM: My education was primary, secondary school, then advanced university education. My reason for becoming an educator was personal interest in it, and also to have skills and knowledge in different matters.

What positive changes have you observed while implementing Quest Forward Learning?

EM: First, I was able to know my learners well, and to understand the capacity of every learner. Also, I improved in creativity and gained skills on how to deal with learners according to their different capacities.

Who is your mentor and how have they influenced you?

EM: My parent is the best mentor to me, because they helped me to achieve my goals. They guided me the best way, until now I can stand by myself. They instructed me and they taught me.

What is your favorite part about using quests in the classroom?

EM: My favorite part during a quest in the classroom is when learners become more actively engaged themselves in most activities during the learning and teaching process.

What is the best part of being a mentor?

EM: Is during observing my learners growing and becoming curious, I see how learners try to find out a solution when facing challenges.

What is a favorite recent moment or instance in a classroom where mentoring was evident?

EM: The moment there is interaction and collaboration of learners during the learning process.

What’s the greatest challenge you had to overcome in the classroom? How did you solve that challenge?

EM: The greatest challenge I faced during implementing Quest Forward Learning was showing learners from the beginning. It was a great problem, but through talking with my peer mentor on strategies to use, I have planned after-class hours with them and find the best solutions on how they can work with other students.

What is the best piece of advice you would offer potential mentors in a Quest Forward Academy or a school that is considering implementing Quest Forward Learning?

EM: My advice to mentors in a Quest Forward Learning school is that they need to accept changes of their mindset in believing that teachers are the source of knowledge. Our learners have more, and they can present their ideas and knowledge when given the chance to do so. Second, they must be ready to learn and be able to adapt any challenges they face, because through setbacks is when we grow and develop new thoughts. Quest Forward Learning is a good methodology and the best techniques that make us to know our learners well. It also makes teachers grow into a new mindset and increases flexibility in the field of teaching.

What else has helped make you a better mentor?

EM: As a mentor, I need to be unique, in the sense that I have to learn from challenges every day. I was faced with accepting criticism from my peer mentor, and trying and move out of my comfort zone. I like to try new things that I think I cannot do. I liked to use my learners to assess me and give their suggestions on where to I can improve—this all encourages me to be a better mentor.

Quest Forward Learning has changed me, made me become a better mentor, and has helped me to change my mindset.

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