Mentors teach youth most frequently by demonstrating or modeling how to do something, by explaining how and explaining why, and monitoring. We call these "universal" teaching behaviors. Less frequently mentors teach by questioning and problem solving. We call these "challenging" teaching behaviors because they challenge youth to think and analyze problems, and because they are more demanding for mentors to use as well.

We view challenging workplace teaching as a critical contribution to helping young people master the high-level technical, personal, and social competencies demanded by contemporary workplaces and by their roles as citizens and family members in the 21st century. It is most important for young people who do not acquire these competencies at home or in school.

The Story Groups listed below contain stories from mentors and youth. These stories illustrate how youth learn and how mentors teach. The Activities are designed to engage mentors in making decisions about how they teach, as well as what they teach. The Guides suggest how to conduct the training activities.