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- by Charlotte King
- In Other
Posted July 4, 2014
Student Saving Tip: Time to Tutor
Many will say that one of the hallmarks of being a postgraduate student is learning to "starve". While this may be the case, there is no reason that you cannot earn a bit of money while simultaneously picking up valuable experience in your field. If you have decided to shun the local fast-food restaurant and simply cannot see yourself ever waiting tables, tutoring could be the ideal choice for you. Before entering into this rewarding job, there are a few basics that are important to appreciate. So, let's look at a handful of tips that will help you to begin.
Getting Started Obviously, only tutor what you know. It is best to specialise in the field of your postgraduate studies. This will also help you to improve your own knowledge base. Make sure that you will have all of the relevant materials available (books, your previous notes and links to websites that are of interest). You may find that you are a bit nervous in the beginning. This is completely normal. If you still think that this may affect the quality of help that you are to provide, there is nothing wrong with seeking tutoring advice from your academic staff . Many of them are likely to have been in the same position earlier in their careers.
Finding Students If can be harder than you think to find students who are keen to be tutored. Perhaps they are embarrassed or they may be short on cash. Either way, make certain that your advertisements are only relevant to the course that you are offering (as opposed to a general "Need Help?" post). Also, avoid placing ads in bars and pubs; you are not likely to receive serious enquiries. It is best to post in libraries, online forums and in student advertising centres (such as public boards around campus). The local bookstore is also a good idea and most owners are more than happy to display your ad. You can also join agencies who will do the advertising for you. Lastly, keep the offer short and to the point. If should clearly illustrate what you are offering, your availability, the rate that you are asking and your contact details.
The Almighty Pound It is frequent that many tutors quickly get turned off to the experience after having a few students who fail to pay on time (or at all). Although you can never expect to avoid this issue entirely, it is important that your subject is well aware of their obligations before you begin. Likewise, you should make sure that they seem committed to the process. A great way to clear the air is to meet with him or her at a casual location (a coffee house, for example). Have a thirty-minute chat and discover what type of person they are. In turn, they will be able to determine if they are comfortable with you are a tutor.
Tutoring on Tutoring First, realise that the needs of each student is different. So, the levels of help required will likewise vary. Avoid creating a tutoring "blueprint", for there is no such thing as one size fits all in this instance. Instead, try and be flexible. Keep detailed notes of the desires of each student, their progress (or lack thereof) and their academic weaknesses. You will then be able to create a programme that will suit their unique attributes. Within a short period of time, you are likely to develop a rapport with each one. The learning process will be further benefited with this progression.
While there are countless other ways to earn a bit of money while gaining work experience , tutoring will also enable you to hone your very own skills. In this way, it is very much a "win-win" scenario for both you and the student in need of help!
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Getting Started Obviously, only tutor what you know. It is best to specialise in the field of your postgraduate studies. This will also help you to improve your own knowledge base. Make sure that you will have all of the relevant materials available (books, your previous notes and links to websites that are of interest). You may find that you are a bit nervous in the beginning. This is completely normal. If you still think that this may affect the quality of help that you are to provide, there is nothing wrong with seeking tutoring advice from your academic staff . Many of them are likely to have been in the same position earlier in their careers.
Finding Students If can be harder than you think to find students who are keen to be tutored. Perhaps they are embarrassed or they may be short on cash. Either way, make certain that your advertisements are only relevant to the course that you are offering (as opposed to a general "Need Help?" post). Also, avoid placing ads in bars and pubs; you are not likely to receive serious enquiries. It is best to post in libraries, online forums and in student advertising centres (such as public boards around campus). The local bookstore is also a good idea and most owners are more than happy to display your ad. You can also join agencies who will do the advertising for you. Lastly, keep the offer short and to the point. If should clearly illustrate what you are offering, your availability, the rate that you are asking and your contact details.
The Almighty Pound It is frequent that many tutors quickly get turned off to the experience after having a few students who fail to pay on time (or at all). Although you can never expect to avoid this issue entirely, it is important that your subject is well aware of their obligations before you begin. Likewise, you should make sure that they seem committed to the process. A great way to clear the air is to meet with him or her at a casual location (a coffee house, for example). Have a thirty-minute chat and discover what type of person they are. In turn, they will be able to determine if they are comfortable with you are a tutor.
Tutoring on Tutoring First, realise that the needs of each student is different. So, the levels of help required will likewise vary. Avoid creating a tutoring "blueprint", for there is no such thing as one size fits all in this instance. Instead, try and be flexible. Keep detailed notes of the desires of each student, their progress (or lack thereof) and their academic weaknesses. You will then be able to create a programme that will suit their unique attributes. Within a short period of time, you are likely to develop a rapport with each one. The learning process will be further benefited with this progression.
While there are countless other ways to earn a bit of money while gaining work experience , tutoring will also enable you to hone your very own skills. In this way, it is very much a "win-win" scenario for both you and the student in need of help!
Related articles
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