International Journal of Engineering

International Journal of Engineering

Methodological Approach to Build a Mentorship System in Higher Technical Education: An Enhanced Model

Document Type : SPMU 2026

Authors
O. Bondareva
M. Rudakov
H. Jafarpour
Empress Catherine II Saint Petersburg Mining University, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation
10.5829/ije.2026.39.11b.03
Abstract
Mentorship, as a form of pedagogical activity, has recently gained particular importance within the system of higher engineering education. The transformation of the educational environment and the increasing demand for professionally and socially competent engineers have led to the need for the new approaches to student guidance and development. Educational and formative work carried out with students represents an integral component of the learning process and requires modernization in light of the ongoing reform of higher education. This paper presents an analysis of leading national and international practices in the field of mentorship and describes a comprehensive mentorship model developed and implemented at the Empress Catherine II Saint Petersburg Mining University. The model defines the goals, principles, and structure of mentorship within the university context. Two main categories of pedagogical mentors are identified -academic group curators and disciplinary mentors -for whom specific performance evaluation criteria and efficiency indicators are proposed. The implementation experience demonstrates the model’s potential for enhancing student engagement, motivation, and professional development. The findings of this study demonstrate that a systematic, continuous, and values-oriented mentorship model facilitates not only academic adaptation but also the development of professional motivation and civic responsibility among the prospective engineers.

Graphical Abstract

Methodological Approach to Build a Mentorship System in Higher Technical Education: An Enhanced Model
Keywords
Mentorship
Pedagogical Mentors
Educational and Developmental Work
Higher Engineering Education
Performance Indicators
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International Journal of Engineering
Volume 39, Issue 11
TRANSACTIONS B: Applications
November 2026
Pages 2676-2689