Mentorship at the slovenian school museum

Abstract

The article examines mentorship at the Slovenian School Museum. It argues that museums are places of value, which play an active part in the functioning of society and are incorporated in the processes of lifelong learning. Additionally, it examines how museums were included in the system of practical student training during the reform of university programmes. The general characteristics of mentorship at the Slovenian School Museum are presented under a number of headings, with special focus on the mentorship in practical student training. The characteristics of the latter are examined employing qualitative analysis of mentors’ observations, and students’ reports on practical student training completed between 2009 and 2016. By examining past mentorship experience, the article argues for the practice of collecting reports on student training in museums, for the purpose of further analysis and study. The article draws attention to the importance of work experience in museums, which represents a way for the students to supplement their theoretical knowledge, as well as learn about the functioning of museums and the mission of the curator. Finally, the article highlights the importance of the continuing education of mentors and argues that a shift in the organisation and evaluation of mentoring work in museums is required, with an aim of offering a higher quality work experience to students, and improving the implementation of practical student training programmes.