The Mentor's Role in University Students' Practical Training

Mentoring in education has been described as a process through which experienced teachers at all levels provide guidance and emotional support to trainees or mentees over a period of time. This study aims to analyze the role of the mentor in university students' practical training, focusing on the benefits for students and mentors themselves, as well as on the potential challenges mentors face. The study uses a literature search and systematic review based on specified selection criteria and searches in scientific databases including Google Scholar, ERIC, and Scopus. The review indicates that mentors provide guidance, support, advice, and regular feedback; help students develop professional skills; and strengthen students' self-esteem and self-confidence. Mentors also benefit through professional learning and development. Reported challenges include differences in students' knowledge and skills, limited time, assessment difficulties, conflict management, and insufficient support from other stakeholders involved in practical training. Despite these difficulties, the mentor's role is essential to students' personal and professional development, and appropriate institutional support can help address the challenges effectively.