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Volunteer Spotlight – The most fulfilling part of tutoring for me was seeing how my tutee was improving
One of our incredible volunteers took the time to share about her experience as a volunteer tutor with GT Scholars. She has been an English tutor, working with scholars needing support in English tuition. She talks about how tutoring has been fulfilling for her through the positive impact she’s seen in her tutee and the support from GT Scholars.
Please tell us a bit about yourself.
I studied a BA degree in English. I enjoy teaching and am hoping that tutoring will give me an understanding of what it is like. I have been volunteering as an English tutor at GT Scholars.
Tell me a little bit about you and what got you to where you are today?
I am an English student and, when I was at school, I had tutors who I found very helpful. I decided that I wanted to give back and instil a passion in other people.
What made you decide to become a volunteer tutor?
I was looking for volunteering opportunities around 2019 when I came across your advert for GT Scholars and I applied. I completed the process and started in April 2020. I was initially hesitant about it as I had never tutored before, but the application process went smoothly, and the training I received was helpful. It gives you enough independence without leaving you completely on your own.
What did you enjoy most about tutoring your scholar?
I enjoy preparing for the lessons. I enjoyed getting the resources ready and putting them together for my scholar. Once she has completed the work, I mark it and then give her feedback. I enjoy the whole process of doing this, but I would say that the lessons are particularly fun as I find out my scholar’s own interpretations and ideas. We have productive discussions on texts she’s studying, of which I may have studied, too. It’s interesting to hear her ideas and help her build on them.
What part of this tutoring process have you found the most fulfilling?
The most fulfilling part for me was seeing how my tutee was improving. At the end of each term, I give her an assessment to see how much she has improved and where she still needs to improve. It’s always lovely to see how much she’s improved. I think another fulfilling part of this process is building a scholar-tutor relationship, where I’ve seen increasingly how she’s open with the things she struggles with and also the aspects of her GCSEs in English Language and Literature that she does find stimulating.
What goals have you helped your scholar to achieve?
I tutored her in English Language and Literature. I have seen her get more confident in analysing texts. She also gives more detailed answers and, on the whole, she is more confident. She also shows much interest and isn’t afraid to give her ideas a go.
What challenges have you helped your scholar face?
I helped my scholar with confidence. She was always responsive, but in terms of her homework, it’s become much more detailed. She enjoys her English more now compared to when she first started. She can identify the similarities quicker.
What challenges did you face while tutoring your scholar?
In the beginning, I was trying to find out what she was struggling with and trying to nail it down. I was also not sure if what was going to get revised in the sessions needed to be revised. At the start of the programme, we do a mandatory start-of-term assessment, which really helped in terms of nailing down certain areas to begin working on. But I think the mandatory end-of-term assessments that are completed regularly really help to chart my scholar’s progress, and plan out what we need to work on and when we should.
What part of the volunteering process have you found the most fulfilling?
In the beginning, I was learning how to be a good tutor. I was very nervous as I had never done tutoring before. There was also the preparation of lessons to suit her needs. It was so fulfilling to see what she was capable of achieving.
What qualities does your tutee have that make her a good tutee?
She is always determined to do well. She always gives her best and always has something to say. She is always trying to improve and, when she receives feedback, she takes it on. If I give her homework, she always does it, and is always open and honest about where she’s struggling.
Why do you think tutoring is valuable to young people?
I believe it’s valuable to young people because it helps as a tutor to help the tutee understand your [tutor’s] favourite subject. It also made me appreciate the tutors that I had. I realised how much things have changed in a few years. It makes you look at your flaws as well. I appreciated the process.
What do you think is the most important skill to have as a volunteer tutor?
I think that you need to be a good listener. Listen to the scholar and pick up through conversation about their needs. You also need to help them with their struggles and you have to be very understanding. You also, most importantly, need to be willing to learn from your scholar, too.
What was the experience as a volunteer English tutor like for you?
I enjoyed the experience. You get to appreciate the process of tutoring. I have gained a lot of skills. I have been able to see how I can help her improve. I have become a better listener and a better tutor.
How important has support been in getting you to where you are today?
I have been a tutor and a tutee. I have been fortunate to have been in both positions, which I think has helped me. I had tutors who were always helpful, and they boosted my confidence. They helped me see subjects from a different perspective, and I am trying to do the same with my scholar. You can’t force anyone to enjoy anything, but you can come up with creative and sometimes unconventional ways to help them see the subject from another angle that might help convert them.
Would you recommend becoming a tutor with GT Scholars?
GT Scholars has been very supportive. We get regular check-ins by phone and email, and when I contact them about any issues, they are very responsive and helpful. The tutoring itself is only 1 hour a week, so it’s very flexible, and something you could quite fit alongside your studying or work. It is a great experience because you’re constantly learning, and you know you’re not entirely on your own!
What have you gained from volunteering with GT Scholars?
I have learnt how to be a good tutor, one who is understanding and supportive. I know that if I need help, I can get help through GT Scholars.
What would you say to anyone thinking of becoming a tutor with GT Scholars?
I would say go for it! I found GT Scholars supportive and it has been a wonderful experience being a tutor. They are always there to help you with the subject that you enjoy and choose to tutor. Whether you’re new to tutoring or not, you’ll gain invaluable experience from GT Scholars!
GT Scholars is an award-winning education company and social enterprise. We run high-impact tutoring, mentoring & enrichment programmes for young people aged 11-18. If you’d like to give your child the support, skills and strategies needed to achieve their academic and career aspirations, you're in the right place!
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