Role of mentoring in improving academic performance among low achievers in a medical college of Chhattisgarh, India

Objectives: Mentoring programmes are known to offer support. This study was designed to evaluate the effect on academic performance and experiences of students enrolled in a new mentoring programme. Materials and Methods: The study was performed on the low achiever first year medical students selected based on the first internal examination performance. Fifty-three students were enrolled in a mentoring programme module consisting of structured, guided assignments and interactive discussions. The academic performance of the low achiever students were assessed in second internal exam. Students' perception about mentoring was obtained by feedback by using a modified Dundee Ready Educational Environment Measure (DREEM) questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and paired t test were used to analyze the data. Results: Effectiveness of mentoring program was assessed through academic performance which showed significantly higher mean scores in second internal examination among 98.1% low achievers. About 84% of the mentees felt that mentoring program helped in their improved academic performance. The students perceived that mentoring helped them in better understanding of subject, enhanced confidence and communication skills. Conclusion: Internal motivation strategies would be integral components of teaching. Customized mentoring helps to enhance the academic performance through motivation and better understanding of subject. The mentoring program seems valid in medical education and can be generated in order to have better academic performance.