Let physics live and look together at what the student needs

Meet Ruby. In addition to her studies at University College Maastricht, she is a rowing coach at M.S.R.V. Saurus and has been teaching science subjects with us since last school year. Get to know her, and read why she likes to apply the material to everyday situations and why she loves us so much.‍

Who are you? What do you do in daily life? And what do you do at Studied?

My name is Ruby, 19 years old and I've been living in Maastricht where I'm studying University College for over a year now. Within my studies, I focus on psychology and neuroscience. In addition, I am a member of the Saurus student rowing club, where I am busy as a rowing coach and member of committees. I also play hockey and make music. At Studied, I provide final exam training and tutoring in science subjects (physics, chemistry and mathematics B) and in Dutch, English and French.

Which subject do you like to teach the most?‍

I think physics is the most fun subject to teach. This course is really about understanding and being able to apply the material. By applying the knowledge to everyday situations, the relevance of the subject becomes clearer and physics comes to life, which I always like to see in discussions with tutors!

What do you love about teaching at Studied?

What I like about teaching at Studied is the flexibility that the student and I have together to shape the lessons. There is no fixed program to follow; we only look at what the student needs in the short and long term. Around this, we create a plan together. For example, we set goals up to the next test week. This flexibility is also required for individual tutoring: sometimes I have to explain something to the student, sometimes make a link to another topic, sometimes just come up with an assignment. I really like this question of creativity in teaching.

What do most students have trouble with?

Many students understand the material we are discussing, but get stuck as soon as that material has to be applied to a complex problem. In the tutoring sessions, we work on approaching such an assignment step by step and breaking it apart into something that is easier to understand.

How do you ensure that your students progress?

I ensure that students move forward by allowing them to think critically about the material themselves. I rarely explain anything; I usually ask the student what they already know about a certain topic. In this way, we find out how well the student understands something and where any bottlenecks lie.

What is your most important tip for students?

My most important tip for students is not to be afraid of making mistakes. I sometimes notice that my tutors find it annoying to ask a question or give an answer they're not sure about. This isn't bad at all. If you had no questions or ambiguity, you wouldn't learn anything in tutoring. You learn from making mistakes, and that's what you're here for!

What is your most important tip for the final exams?

Before the final exams, I would like to give you the tip that you will be fine anyway as long as you do your best. It may feel like repeating dust at the last minute is going to make the difference, but that's not the case. Of course, repeating material in the weeks before your exam is important, but the basis you have laid for your courses over several years is more important. This is what is tested on an exam. With the right commitment, that will be fine. And remember: doing this with your loved ones is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and you'll look back on it with a smile later!

How important do you find the connection with your students?

The click with my students is very important to me. By creating a nice, open atmosphere, I hope that the student feels comfortable and dares to ask any question. In addition, I notice that students often like to tell what is going on in their lives outside of school. The tutoring sessions are a nice and safe environment for discussing many topics.

Do you find it easy to combine your work with your other activities?

I find my work very easy to combine with other activities. Because most tutoring takes place one-on-one, the student and I can plan lessons together in a flexible way at times that suit both of us. This is usually physical in the center of Maastricht, but sometimes also online.

Would you recommend working at Studied? And why?

I would definitely recommend working at Studied because I find the working atmosphere flexible and pleasant. I get a lot of freedom to shape the lessons in my own way together with the (parents of the) student. I also feel that I am taken seriously within the company: I am regularly asked for my opinion about the organization or about new steps that Studied wants to take. Finally, I am a fan of the clear and fast communication between Bas, the student and me. By working with goals and evaluation interviews, I have the feeling that I'm not just explaining things during tutoring, but giving structure to my students' learning process. I find this valuable!

Want to get guidance from Ruby? Check www.studied.nl and get in touch with us!