Working with Schools

The tutorial method adopted by Greene’s is fantastic since it gives the tutor a chance to engage with the student on a personal level – something which can be hard to achieve with a larger class. The tutorial method really does allow for extremely rapid improvement; it is so satisfying to see someone suddenly grasp a concept with which they have previously struggled, or to watch them get excited and passionate about the subject as their knowledge of it broadens.

Working with students one-to-one allows us to assess exactly what the student needs and to tailor instruction to the interests and capabilities of each student.  Students become more empowered after having individual tuition, and by experiencing the passion of the tutor for his or her subject, the student is often inspired to expend more effort in order to better understand and appreciate that field of knowledge.

As an Oxford student, the tutorials I received from my College tutors were, undoubtedly, the most exciting and intellectually stimulating part of my academic life. They not only helped me engage more closely with the material but also develop an understanding with my tutors where we both adapted and learnt from each others’ respective styles. Seeing my own students now pursuing a path of learning and intellectual development has certainly been the most uplifting part of my teaching experience.

I am enthusiastic about teaching, and particularly the tutorial method, because I think it allows for one-on-one interaction and attention to a student’s own individual needs, developing strengths and improving weaknesses, allowing a student to become more independent and responsible for learning at their greatest potential.

I find the tutorial method of teaching so productive: when you run a tutorial you can shape your teaching to the way your student actually learns.  If something comes easily you can move on to more challenging material, while if something isn’t working you can change your approach immediately.

The most rewarding thing for a tutor is to see that the student has thought about the material outside of class and formulated his or her own opinions.  I have seen students come to class having interacted with the material and ready to tell me whether they agree or disagree with it.  That is the most important skill that students can get from education.