THE ROLE OF MENTORING IN THE SUCCESSFUL ADAPTATION OF FIRST-YEAR STUDENTS TO CONDITIONS OF A UNIVERSITY

Abstract

The article explores the role of mentor-curators and mentor-students in adapting first-year students to conditions of university studies. Through the study of scientific literature by foreign and Russian scholars, the author concludes that the issue is relevant and requires further research. An innovative model, “mentor-curator-student-mentor,” is proposed, outlining their key features and activities. Methodological approaches, such as personality-oriented, subject-activity, environmental, axiological, and eventbased, contribute to the scientific depth of the research. Collaboration stages and communication for the successful adaptation of first-year students-value-targeted, practice-oriented, analytical-prognostic-reveal the essence of the adaptation process. Criteria for successful adaptation are formulated through indicators in the “mentor-curator-student-mentor” model, and identified psycho-pedagogical conditions help organize the adaptation process considering students’ socio-psychological characteristics and modern higher education requirements. The examined material suggests that the presented innovative model facilitates the adaptation of firstyear students in shorter periods, reveals mechanisms and paths for their successful socialization, and allows for variations in mentoring models in the university’s educational process.