Darwin and Teacher: An Analysis of the Mentorship Between Charles Darwin and Professor John Henslow

This paper examines the extraordinary mentorship that developed between Charles Darwin and his teacher, John Stevens Henslow of Cambridge University. It reflects upon the application of this relationship to gifted education. The discussion centers on the teaching and learning styles of Darwin and Henslow, the role of interests and of time spent together, the friendship which Henslow offered Darwin (particularly during the Beagle voyage), and the character traits of Henslow as mentor.