Active Listening
Difficult Conversations
Conflict Management
Ethics & Boundaries
Mentor Case Studies
100

What communication skill involves giving your full attention, asking clarifying questions, and reflecting back what was heard?Activ

Active Listening

100

What communication style is generally considered most effective for mentors?

Assertive communication

100

What is the primary goal of conflict management?

Resolve issues while maintaining relationships

100

Why are boundaries important in mentoring relationships?

Protect professionalism and both parties

100

A mentee has stopped responding. What should be your first action?

Reach out with concern and curiosity

200

A mentee only gives one-word responses. What strategy would best encourage deeper conversation?

Ask open-ended questions

200

A mentee becomes defensive during feedback. What should a mentor do first?

Seek to understand their perspective

200

Two mentees disagree during a meeting. What is your role as mentor?

Facilitate respectful dialogue

200

A mentee relies on you as their only support system. What concern should this raise?

Boundary concerns

200

A mentee blames professors for every poor grade. What mentoring skill should be used?

Encourage self-reflection and accountability

300

A mentee says, "I don't think I belong here." What communication technique should be used before offering advice?

Explore and validate their feelings

300

What type of statement reduces defensiveness during conflict?

Use "I" statements and observations

300

Which conflict style prioritizes relationships over personal goals?

Accommodating

300

What should a mentor do if a mentee shares information suggesting serious mental health concerns?

Follow protocol and connect them to resources

300

A mentee says they are thinking about dropping out. What should your first response be?

Explore the reasons behind their decision

400

What communication mistake occurs when a mentor assumes a quiet student is disengaged without asking questions?

Making assumptions / Attribution error

400

A mentee says, "You don't understand me." What should a mentor do next?

Ask them to share their perspective

400

Which conflict style is considered most effective when both the relationship and issue matter?

Collaborating

400

Which situation requires an immediate referral to professional staff?

Threats of self-harm or harm to others

400

A mentor becomes frustrated because a mentee ignores advice. What should the mentor do?

Reflect on expectations and focus on support

500

A mentee laughs while discussing failing classes. What should a mentor pay attention to besides their words?

Nonverbal communication and emotional cues

500

What is the biggest risk of offering solutions before fully listening?

The mentee may feel unheard

500

During a heated disagreement, what should be the mentor's first priority?

De-escalate and restore emotional safety

500

A mentee asks you to keep a safety concern secret. What should you do?

Explain limits of confidentiality and report appropriately

500

A mentee struggles academically, financially, socially, and emotionally. What mentoring principle applies?

Holistic student development