Check for Understanding, not completion
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. - Romans 12:2
Let’s be honest—when we’re given a task, sometimes the goal becomes just getting it done rather than actually learning from it. But mentorship isn’t about rushing through assignments or completing activities just for the sake of finishing. It’s about gaining understanding, applying what we learn, and growing in the process.
The Goal: Understanding, Not Just Completion
Think about it—would you rather a mentee memorize information or actually grasp the concepts so they can use them in real life? When mentees treat mentorship activities like a checklist, they miss out on the deeper wisdom and transformation that comes from real engagement.
Tasks are tools, not the finish line – The point isn’t just to complete the activity but to reflect, discuss, and apply what’s learned.
Understanding builds confidence – When mentees truly grasp a concept, they feel empowered to use it in their journey.
Surface-level learning fades fast – If a mentee moves too quickly, they might forget the material instead of letting it shape their mindset and actions.
Mentors, It’s Okay to Check for Understanding!
As a mentor, you shouldn’t feel uncomfortable checking in on your mentee’s understanding before moving on. In fact, that’s part of what makes mentorship effective!
✅ It ensures growth – If a mentee struggles with a concept, moving forward too soon could leave gaps in their learning.
✅ It builds accountability – When mentees know they’ll be asked about their takeaways, they’re more likely to engage deeply.
✅ It strengthens the mentor-mentee relationship – Asking questions shows you care about their development, not just their progress.
How to Check Understanding Without Feeling Like a Drill Sergeant
Ask open-ended questions – Instead of “Did you do the assignment?” try “What stood out to you the most?”
Encourage application – “How do you see this principle playing out in your daily life?”
Make it a conversation – Create a space where mentees feel safe to say, “I didn’t quite get this part.”
PRO TIP: In addition to using the discussion questions found in the Mentorship Guide, use the Check for Understanding quizzes in the Resource hub. These 5-7 multiple choice and true/false questions can let you assess if your mentee is comprehending the material. They can be taken multiple times to reinforce learning. They should be successful on these quizzes before considering moving forward- otherwise, you might have a mentee who struggles out in the field as a result.
Final Thought
Mentorship isn’t about getting through a curriculum—it’s about real transformation. By focusing on understanding rather than just completion, you help mentees truly absorb what they’re learning and set them up for long-term success.
📌 So next time a mentee completes an activity, take a moment to dig deeper—because real growth happens in the understanding, not just in the doing.
