A conceptual framework of mentoring for novice lecturers in the health training institutions in Botswana

Abstract

Background: Mentoring is a human resource strategy that has long been recognised by many countries and is used to retain and develop teachers. However, this is inconsistently applied in educational institutions. Purpose: The overall purpose of this study was to develop a conceptual framework of mentoring for novice lecturers in the health training institutions. Methodology: The study employed a convergent parallel design where quantitative and qualitative components were utilized. Phase 1 entailed the collection and analysis of data for both the quantitative and qualitative parts of the study, and Phase 2 was the development of a conceptual framework of mentoring for the novice lecturers in the health training institutions. The Donabedian framework of structure, process, and outcome was followed to construct the questionnaire items for the quantitative research component. For the quantitative component, a sample of 71 respondents was selected using convenience sampling and for the qualitative method, data saturation was reached after conducting 15 individual interviews. A self - developed semi-structured tool was used to collect data. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 25 was used to analyse quantitative data and the qualitative data were analysed according to Creswell's six steps. . The results of the phase 1 revealed orientation to the physical structure, introduction to the staff members, no formal mentoring of novice lecturers and a need for a formal framework of mentoring for novice lecturers at health training institutions in Botswana. Phase 2 comprised the development of a conceptual framework of mentoring and description of the framework to facilitate mentoring of novice lecturers. The development of the conceptual framework of mentoring was guided by the Context Input Process Product framework, literature review and findings of the empirical research. Conclusions: The ultimate goal of this study was to develop the conceptual framework of mentoring for the novice lecturers at the health training institutions. Recommendations: The study makes recommendations for nursing education, research and decision-makers. It is imperative for the institutions to embrace this framework of mentoring to improve performance, students' achievement and the teaching and learning environment.