Making abstract concepts understandable and teaching while studying
Abel received a number of questions from me about his work as a student lecturer with us. For a year now, he has been coaching students in the beta courses, mathematics A and B. He explains that he likes to make the abstract concepts of chemistry understandable and that it is perfect for him to teach with us while studying.
Who are you? What do you do in daily life? And what do you do at Studied?
My name is Abel, I'm 20 years old and I'm in the third year of studying Psychology in Maastricht. In addition, I am a member of the Circumflex Student Association, where I sit on various committees, such as the student guidance committee. Furthermore, I play rugby. To do this, I have two training sessions and a competition every week. I've been working at Studied for a year now. I tutor physics, chemistry and both math A and B.
Which subject do you like to teach the most?
I really enjoy teaching chemistry because it is very abstract. You can't hold it or watch it happen. Of course, you can see two substances react, but you cannot see exactly what is happening. I always enjoy conveying how to properly understand the abstract aspects of chemistry.
What do you love about teaching at Studied?
I've always loved explaining things to people. For example, my parents always say that I was already asked in group 3 to explain things on the classroom board so that everyone could understand it better. This has never been different and a career as a lecturer has always seemed fun to me. However, I also really enjoy my studies. For me, that's why the great thing about teaching at Studied is that I not only teach, but I can also keep studying.
What do most students have trouble with?
In chemistry, most students have difficulty with:
- The concept of substances that are attached to each other with molecules
- Redox reactions and acid-base reactions.
These two topics are very similar, so when you understand one, you understand the other, and vice versa. To ensure that students understand these two topics, I explain them in a clear and visual way. This makes it less abstract and allows the student to see it clearly in front of them.
In addition, students often have difficulty applying the material. They then understand the theory sufficiently, but when they make problems, things go wrong. In those cases, I always try to complete the tasks in steps with the student and point them out things they may have overlooked.
How do you ensure that your students progress?
Every week, I go through the new material with students. Furthermore, I try to make sure that the tasks for the new ones are created independently and only give hints or help when I notice that they are stuck. In this way, it is slowly becoming easier to complete the tasks yourself without my help. This is how my students move forward step by step!
What is your most important tip for students?
Taking assignments and practice tests is the best way to prepare for taking tests. This may sound a bit simple and cliché, but it is true. Practicing helps much better than more explanations or questions. Ultimately, the test is about applying the substance.
What is your most important tip for the final exams?
Above all, take a lot of exams. The questioning is the most important thing to practice, because you haven't had it that way in school exams yet.
How important do you find the connection with your students?
Very important. Ultimately, explaining is pointless if you don't click with a student. This is because you save the content of the lessons better when you click with the student, and vice versa, of course!
Do you find it easy to combine your work with your other activities?
My work is very easy to combine with studying and other things. Because I plan my own lessons. So if I have an hour off one day, I can teach.
Would you recommend working at Studied? And why?
I would definitely recommend it if you found your secondary school courses fun and interesting, because you're working on the same subject again and this way, you'll get paid for it too.
Want to get guidance from Abel? Check www.studied.nl and get in touch with us!
