Empowering youth: Solving Problems Versus Giving Advice
The differences between these two approaches are significant; they will affect mentors' relationships with their students and students' ability to reach their fullest potential.
MAJOR DIFFERENCES
GIVING ADVICE STUDENT SOLVING PROBLEMS
| Student is passive, possibly resistant | Active student |
| Cuts off further exploration of problem | Opens lines of communication |
| Often premature | Eliminates timing problem |
| Student doesn't learn | Student learns |
| Can impose mentor's solution | Solution belongs to student on student’s problem |
| Does not encourage self-esteem | Fosters self-esteem |
WHEN IS GIVING ADVICE APPROPRIATE
If the mentor is an expert in a particular field, the student may benefit from the mentor’s specific knowledge and advice.
If the student is "stuck" after going through the problem-solving process, mentor can give advice about how to proceed.