Top sport, writing down all the intermediate steps and the usefulness of our lessons

This week, I spoke to a different Sarah. In addition to Sarah Ewals, we also have a number of student teachers with the same name working with us. Some with “h” and some without. In this case, I spoke to Sarah Huizenga. She talks about her life as a medical student who practices top sport at M.S.R.V. Saurus and teaches with us.

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

Hi, I'm Sarah, 20 years old, and I've been living in Maastricht for almost 3 years. I come from the far north (above Groningen), but I feel completely at home in Maastricht. I'm in my second year of medicine, but I first studied health sciences for a year. In addition to my studies, I do competitive rowing at M.S.R.V. Saurus. With 5 nice girls and two coaches, I am training hard about 11 times a week to participate in national (and maybe international) competitions. At Studied, I mainly teach students with an NT and/or NG profile. I also had these profiles in high school myself.

Which subject do you like to teach the most?

I think biology is the most fun subject to teaching. This fits in well with my education and I am always amazed how smart processes and cells work. It's super cool to see a student understand it.

What do you love about teaching at Studied?

Teaching at Studied is especially practical for me. I have a very full schedule, but I can incorporate planning my lessons at Studied into this myself. The lessons are also very educational for me by repeating the old material. At the same time, I also help others, so teaching at Studied is very helpful. By the way, I also really like the fact that teaching keeps you flexible. After all, although you always work with the student to get a good grade, every student and lesson is different.

What do most students have trouble with?

Most students understand the theory, but don't know how to start an assignment. So they don't understand how to apply their knowledge. In the tutoring sessions, we will look together at what steps are needed to get the right answer and how they can do this themselves on a test, for example.

How do you ensure that your students progress?

I always ask students what they want to discuss in class. For example, they already have to think for themselves about the material and what exactly they find difficult. Next, we're going to apply the material they find difficult so that they understand what to do instead of just understanding it theoretically.

What is your most important tip for students?

Write down all the steps you're taking in your head! I often notice that mistakes are being made because students are too volatile. By writing down all the steps, you create an overview for yourself and (often) get points for intermediate steps.

What is your most important tip for the final exams?

I think this is a difficult question because I did not take a final exam due to the corona pandemic. I remember really bummed about this. Anyway, my tip (as crazy as it may sound when you're in the middle of your exam stress) is try to enjoy it. It's a great time that you definitely don't want to miss!

How important do you find the connection with your students?

The click between my student and I is very important. It makes or breaks your lessons. After all, if you have a good click with students, the lessons become much more effective. There must be motivation from both sides to work together. When one of us looks up to the lessons, it becomes difficult to achieve a result together. A friendly, open atmosphere in the classroom is therefore the key to success.

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

Working at Studied is very easy to combine with my tough studies and top sport. Because you can plan the lessons together with your students, you are flexible. I often do my classes at university, so I can make good use of the time between my own university lessons.

Would you recommend working at Studied? And why?

I would definitely recommend working at Studied! The flexibility that Studied offers in planning and completing the lessons is fantastic. I also like that I am trusted to look at what is needed with my student myself and that I am regularly asked for my opinion about things in the company. I think that Bas's communication to parents, students and student teachers also contributes to a nice atmosphere. I can always text him if I need help. By the way, the work is also simply very enjoyable and useful.

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