Just like you cant learn really swimming or playing a musical instrument like guitar on your own without guidance and demonstrations by coach and guru, same way research cannot be understood and carried out merely by reading books and journals.
The logical steps, how to construct a research problems, how to collect data , whether the research is relevant, where to search information and how to analyze cannot be done on your own. Mentoring is must
That is why in India there is a old saying :
The Hindi saying "Guru Gobind dono khade, kiske lagu paanv, balihari guru aapne, Gobind diyo milay" can be translated to English as:
"Both Guru and God (Gobind) stand before you, whose feet should you touch? I am grateful to the Guru, for through the Guru, I have met God."
This saying reflects the importance of the Guru (teacher or spiritual guide) in one's spiritual journey, suggesting that the Guru is the one who helps connect the disciple with God. The Guru is regarded as a higher power, and the devotee humbly acknowledges the Guru's role in their path to divine knowledge and connection.
Yes, mentoring can directly improve students' research skills. When students work with experienced mentors, they receive guidance on research methods, data analysis, and how to approach complex academic problems. Mentors help students refine their critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and research strategies by providing constructive feedback and sharing their own experiences. This personalized support boosts students' confidence and helps them develop a deeper understanding of the research process, which can lead to better research outcomes. Mentoring also encourages students to stay focused and motivated, improving their overall academic performance.
Yes, mentoring directly improves students' research skills by providing guidance, feedback, and expertise that enhance their critical thinking, methodology, and problem-solving abilities.