Read on Twitter
A thread on why using graduates to tutor is not going to help.
2008ish I was paid a bonkers hourly rate (probably more than I earn now) to 'tutor' students in maths. It was part of a university/school scheme where we were supposed to help disadvantaged students. 1/
2008ish I was paid a bonkers hourly rate (probably more than I earn now) to 'tutor' students in maths. It was part of a university/school scheme where we were supposed to help disadvantaged students. 1/
We turned up to a school hall on a Saturday morning, the students said which topic they found hard and off we went. I had no training beyond basic safeguarding. I had no experience teaching anything. On reflection it was a disaster. 2/
I never spoke to the students teachers. I relied on the students to know their gaps.
Different students turned up every week so I had no idea if they learnt anything. I suspect they didn't.
We had no time or any idea how to plan something like this properly. 3/
Different students turned up every week so I had no idea if they learnt anything. I suspect they didn't.
We had no time or any idea how to plan something like this properly. 3/
The school had clearly put a lot of effort into encouraging the students to attend. The students definitely did not want to be there! I remember a conversation with one student who basically said 'Why am I being punished for being rubbish at maths?' 4/
I know I had absolutely no impact on the students I tutored beyond them meting someone new and interacting with them. They didn't learn anything, I didn't know how to get them to learn effectively. 5/
Graduates with no training or experience are not the right people for this job. Modelling, explaining, finding and filling gaps takes time and experience to learn. There needs to be communication with their normal teacher. This is impossible at a cost of £90 per student. 6/
The government plan to replicate this situation across millions of schools for millions of pounds is just a huge money waster.
Fund schools properly and let them crack on with any 'catch up' they deem necessary. End/
Fund schools properly and let them crack on with any 'catch up' they deem necessary. End/
