Pairs, peers and pep talks : mentoring in contemporary times

In recent times mentoring has gained renewed popularity as a means to induct pre-service and beginning teachers into their initial workplace. In this chapter we present a review of literature that focuses on the nature and role of mentoring in the workplace. Specifically we explore the positive dimension of mentoring, plus the 'dark side. Within this literature review we argue that the success of mentoring lies within the relationship formed between a mentor and mentee and how the mentor and mentee view the purpose of the mentoring relationship.