The study has provided evidence that explicit awareness of the nature and process of
mentoring can give mentor teachers the knowledge to alter or change their mentoring
practices. Therefore, it can be concluded from the results of this research that preparation for
mentoring made a difference in both the understanding of mentoring and mentoring practices
used. Although the research did not measure the changes or compare ‘before’ and ‘after’, the
participants benefited from specific knowledge about the nature of mentoring and the process
of mentoring. The results have identified that preparation for mentoring that focuses on
developing specific knowledge of the nature of mentoring, mentoring roles and approaches to
mentoring can assist in ensuring a quality experience for pre-service teachers during a
professional placement. In an environment in which mentoring and supervision are
intertwined, a lack of confidence on the part of the mentor teachers about how to provide
worthwhile experiences for pre-service teachers will remain if preparation for mentoring is
not provided.