Entries by Jean Rhodes

Conversation about news improves children’s reasoning: Implications for mentors

Posted by Ellen Goldbaum-Buffalo on July 23, 2010 U. BUFFALO (US)—Taking the time to talk to children about current events like the Gulf Oil spill—and using mathematical terms to do so—can help them develop better reasoning and math skills and perform better in school, especially in more affluent households. “When families chat about societal issues, they often create […]

Separating the wheat from the chaff in youth mentoring

by Jean Rhodes Ron Haskins, the co-director of the Center on Children and Families at the Brookings Institution recently wrote a New York Times OpEd in which he made a strong case for the use of evaluation and evidence in social programs. As he notes, “Despite decades of efforts and trillions of dollars in spending, rigorous evaluations typically find […]

What is the scientific method?

The term “scientific method” refers to certain guidelines that ensure that research is not shaped by personal beliefs and is grounded in measurable (empirical) evidence. The techniques used in the scientific method consist of measurement, such as surveys, experiments, or systematic observation. The following are the three steps in the scientific method: Step One: Hypothesis The first step in […]

NBA stars encourage fans in new PSA

Just in time for National Mentoring Month in January, the NBA family is promoting mentoring as a critical asset for young people in our communities to succeed. NBA stars Chris Paul, Damian Lillard, Joakim Noah and legend Magic Johnson are encouraging fans in this public service announcement with the National Mentoring Month call-to-action to Be Someone […]

AT&T Mentoring Program For Secondary School Students Gathers Pace In Europe

More than 1,900 students at over 60 schools in France, Germany, Slovakia, The Netherlands, Israel and the UK have enrolled for 2014-15 academic year LONDON, Dec. 17, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — AT&T’s* career mentoring program for secondary school students in Europe gathers pace as over 1,900 young people embark on their entrepreneurship and employability courses for the […]

What Might Evidence-based Policy 2.0 Look Like?

By Vivian Tseng I’ve been reading about the evolution of the internet lately, and it has me thinking about what the next generation of evidence-based policy might look like. *** Like others, my holiday shopping experience has been transformed. Back in the day, I had to fight my way through crowded stores and dig through […]

How should mentors handle gift giving?

Editors Note: In this  feature Gail Manza and Susan Patrick draw from their new book Mentor’s Field Guide, which is framed as a series of 67 answers to the most common questions that arise in youth mentoring. This timely post might be helpful to volunteers as they navigate their way through the holidays. QUESTION 33. How should […]

MENTOR’s Capitol Hill on Wednesday, January 28

 From mentoring.org The 2015 Summit will be extended to a three-day event to incorporate an advocacy activity on Capitol Hill on Wednesday, January 28. The 2015 Capitol Hill Day is open to all Summit attendees and is included with your Summit registration. It’s your opportunity to join your committed colleagues who will meet with members of Congress […]