University Students as tutors

[friedjelly]

Hey guys,

Recently started getting tutored by someone who just graduated this year. So far he seems very competent and engaging but he's also heading off to uni next year. Which kind of makes me worry about how much time he will have remaining to be dedicated to his students. He is also taking on several other students simultaneously and so I was just wondering if anyone has advice or insight about tutors going into uni and how well they juggle tutoring students, uni assignments, etc.
 
Perhaps I'm just overthinking it, but I'd love any input

[MelonBar]

This would be a good convo to have with him, but really shouldn't be an issue if he's diligent especially in 1st yr.

[jammin]

Personally I have three uni students next year as tutors. I prefer them over those who are teachers because
1. they charge less for a similar skillset
2. They're generally more committed and want you to do well (so they maintain reputation for next year)

I.e my current specialist tutor is an absolute gun, despite emailing him over five times a day at times, he responds quickly and always ensures that I understand what I'm learning. Uni work might be tough but I'm sure your tutor knows that and has factored it in before accepting you as a student!

[Orson]

Would you guys hire university students who are doing really well, but didn't do so hot in VCE? Or is it restricted to the ol' 45 kids?

[ChickenCh0wM1en]

Would you guys hire university students who are doing really well, but didn't do so hot in VCE? Or is it restricted to the ol' 45 kids?

It doesn't matter if you got 99.95 and can't teach, you just won't be able to teach.

I know heaps of people who score exceptionally well but still can't simplify the concept well enough for other students who might not be on that level.

Obviously this doesn't mean get tutored by someone who got a 25 study score, but I don't think you should necessary restrict yourself to only 45+ study score students as potential tutors.

[Orson]

It doesn't matter if you got 99.95 and can't teach, you just won't be able to teach.

I know heaps of people who score exceptionally well but still can't simplify the concept well enough for other students who might not be on that level.

Obviously this doesn't mean get tutored by someone who got a 25 study score, but I don't think you should necessary restrict yourself to only 45+ study score students as potential tutors.

I totally understand. I got 33 in Physics, and I know people wouldn't be too confident in someone with that score, but I feel as if I know like every question in VCE Physics. It was weird because even kids with 47s in spesh only got 33s in Physics.

[lzxnl]

I'll look at this from as many angles as I can. Of course, I'll still be biased as I'm a uni student myself who's looking to tutor students, but here it goes.

Advantages:
Uni students have done the courses relatively recently, and if they're studying that field at uni, they might understand the material better than a high school teacher who only remembers the course content. If not, they'll still remember what they did to succeed in the given subject
Uni students are only a little older than you, compared to adults, so it's easier for them to relate to your struggles. Arguably easier to befriend a uni student tutor than a 40 year old tutor I think.
They really want to keep students as for some of them, it's their only source of income. So they sure as hell will try and keep their students

Disadvantages:
Uni students can be busy, yes. Not just with uni work, but with other commitments like sport, other jobs, hanging out with friends etc. Plus, they're known to procrastinate (I am SO guilty of that) so they may have to juggle priorities
It can be hard to tell if a uni student is just out for your money, but that's a risk you'll have to take with anyone.
Not all uni students will be happy to compromise on location as they may be busy; this could make things really inconvenient for you, and this is just something you'll have to sort out on a case-by-case basis
Uni students generally don't have formal training in education, although this is somewhat mitigated by the fact that they're just teaching material they learned a few years ago

I have tried to be objective here, but nevertheless there may be snippets of bias here and there because of my standing as a uni student.