Alicia Carchedi

Previously, when I have tutored students, I have spoken to them first about the modules they are studying, at what level, and where they achieve to be when completing their studies. I feel that having this conversation allows for an understanding between the student and I, which provides us with goals we can set together to further better them in their chosen area. Due to me only being 19 years old, this usually means I am close in age to the individuals studying at GCSE, and when I have tutored before, I have found this age closeness has helped me understand them on a similar level. For example, if students are struggling to manage their work, I can sympathise with them, and show them ways they can manage this.

A technique I use when tutoring, especially for English literature, is thoroughly understanding the book they are reading first. I found when I was in school, if I read the book first without looking to make any annotated notes, it allowed me to read it from a fresh perspective and come up with an overview of the whole book. After reading the book, I would then go back through it chapter by chapter with post-it-notes annotating the important parts, and pointing out certain methods of writing. This is one of the ways I would teach to GCSE students who were struggling to connect with the books they were learning/reading for their English literature part of GCSE.