Discuss Ideas with Mentors or Experts

In academic research, discussing your ideas with mentors and subject matter experts is a crucial step in refining your topic, identifying gaps, and receiving valuable feedback. These conversations can provide clarity, direction, and even unlock new perspectives that you might have missed on your own. However, many beginners feel nervous or unsure about how to approach these discussions effectively.

1

Prepare Before You Approach

2

Ask Clear and Focused Questions

3

Be Open to Feedback, Even If It Challenges You

4

Engage in Dialogue, Not Just Listening

5

Follow Up and Take Action

Example:

If you’re interested in “digital inclusion in rural schools,” come prepared with basic stats, initial literature findings, and a list of unclear areas, such as “Which framework is best for measuring digital literacy?”

Pro Tip:

Send your summary or questions in advance via email so the mentor has context and can prepare meaningful feedback instead of thinking on the spot.

Step 1: Prepare Before You Approach

Effective discussions with mentors start long before the actual meeting. Preparation is key. Before reaching out to your supervisor, guide, or an external expert, you should take the time to understand your topic, read introductory material, and list down your main questions. The goal is not to impress them with your knowledge, but to show that you’ve made an effort and are serious about your research interest.

Create a 1-page summary or concept note that includes:

Your broad topic area
What you’ve read or explored so far
A few key questions or doubts
Any early ideas you’d like to explore

Step 2: Ask Clear and Focused Questions

Once you're in the meeting, don’t try to cover everything at once. A common mistake beginners make is being too broad or vague. Instead, ask specific, focused questions that can lead to clear guidance. This helps the mentor understand exactly where you need help and provide responses that are more actionable.

Frame questions around:

Research scope (e.g., “Is this too broad or too narrow?”)
Methodology (e.g., “Would qualitative interviews be better for this?”)
Literature (e.g., “What key authors or journals should I follow?”)
Feasibility (e.g., “Can this be done with limited resources or time?”)

Avoid yes/no questions—aim for those that prompt discussion and reflection.

Example:

Instead of asking “Is this a good topic?”, try “Do you think exploring mobile learning in tribal communities could offer new insights, or has this already been over-researched?”

Pro Tip:

Practice your questions ahead of time. Say them out loud or write them down. This ensures clarity and builds your confidence before the discussion.

Example:

You might propose a study on “Online learning effectiveness among all age groups,” but your mentor may suggest focusing only on secondary school students. While this seems limiting, it actually helps you develop a sharper and more manageable research question.

Pro Tip:

Record or jot down feedback during the meeting. Then review it calmly later, after emotions settle. You’ll often find that the suggestions make more sense on second thought.

Step 3: Be Open to Feedback, Even If It Challenges You

When you discuss ideas with mentors or experts, be prepared to receive feedback that questions your assumptions, suggests changes, or even recommends you pivot in a new direction. This can feel discouraging, but remember: feedback is not criticism—it’s guidance to improve your research quality and relevance.

Approach the conversation with a learning mindset. Avoid becoming defensive or overly attached to your initial idea. Often, what sounds like discouragement is actually an opportunity to refine your topic, narrow your focus, or consider a more impactful approach.

Step 4: Engage in Dialogue, Not Just Listening

Mentorship discussions should be two-way conversations, not one-sided lectures. After you ask questions and receive responses, engage actively. This means:

Asking follow-up questions
Offering your interpretation of what they said
Sharing your own thoughts respectfully
Seeking clarification if something isn’t clear

This kind of dialogue builds mutual respect, helps deepen understanding, and shows your commitment to the research. It also makes the mentor feel that their guidance is being understood and used meaningfully.

Example:

If your mentor mentions a key theory you haven’t read, ask, “How is this theory different from the one I mentioned earlier? Should I compare both in my literature review?”

Pro Tip:

Use reflective language: “So what I’m hearing is…” or “If I understand correctly, then…” This confirms understanding and builds stronger academic rapport.

Example:

“Thank you for your suggestions on focusing my topic. I will start reviewing the authors you recommended and narrow my scope to early childhood education. I’ll share a revised proposal with you in two weeks for your feedback.”

Pro Tip:

Keep a dedicated “Mentor Meeting Log”—a simple document where you track dates, advice received, and actions taken. This helps you stay accountable and shows growth when applying for research funding or fellowships.

Step 5: Follow Up and Take Action

A productive discussion should not end with the meeting. Following up is essential for maintaining academic relationships and showing that you respect and value the mentor’s time. After the conversation, send a thank-you message (preferably within 24–48 hours), summarize key takeaways, and mention what actions you plan to take.

You could write:

A brief note of appreciation
3–5 main points you understood
Next steps (e.g., reading suggested articles, revising your topic)
A tentative date or plan for the next meeting (if needed)

This also creates a record of the conversation and helps you track your research progress over time.

For any academician or research scholar, discussing ideas with mentors is not just a formality—it’s a critical thinking process that sharpens your direction, boosts your confidence, and raises the quality of your work.

Remember: Mentorship is a collaborative journey. The more you engage, reflect, and act, the stronger your research foundation becomes.