Page 12 - Luce 2016

N ews a nd Events

Alumni return to tutoring

In 2016, an extraordinarily high number pursuing postgraduate studies,
of alumni returned to Janet Clarke which is what I’m doing
Hall in a residential or non-residential now. The encouragement
tutoring role. Of course, we are always was incredibly beneficial as
thrilled to welcome our outstanding it was the first time I’d been
alumni to share their knowledge and prompted to think about
expertise with the next generation. academic life beyond my
Students commented on the tutors’ bachelor degree and my
outstanding ability to relate and engage tutor’s faith in my abilities as a
with them and their experiences. Here, student was reaffirming.
our Director of Studies Mrs Davies
gathered thoughts from a few of our Kelly: My undergrad tutorials
current non-residential tutors. provided me with a fantastic
learning environment. The
What inspired you to take on a tutoring small class size made it much
role at JCH? less daunting to ask questions,
compared with the University
Catherine Outridge (2013): I wanted tutorials! I also enjoyed
to understand the complexities of spending lazy weekend
transitioning from being a learner mornings chatting to the
into a teacher, which is a process I’ve residential tutors in the
greatly enjoyed. Additionally, I wanted Dining Hall. Tom Hampel: from student to tutor
to engage with the new generation of
students coming into the College in an Tom: I loved being able to work with starting at University and it’s a thrill to
active way. my friends in a close-knit environment. interact with them. I also love being
Particularly in first year, it was a able to share broader tips about life and
Kelly Widdows (2011): JCH provided wonderful way to enjoy a more relaxed University, including balancing study
me with a home for four years during and enjoyable approach to learning and I with College experiences and adjusting
my undergrad, and also some of my made many good friends in the process. to life in Melbourne.
postgrad years. I was sad that I had
to leave and move out west for my Imogen: Fresh out of high school I Imogen: I have loved the stimulation of
clinical vet years, and returning as a arrived at JCH pretty unsure of just about tutoring, but have also enjoyed sharing
tutor enabled me to retain a connection everything and came down with the with students the stories that show that
with the College. I loved having the common BA malaise of over thinking even when you’re unsure, life has a
opportunity to sit on high table as a tutor my situation. JCH felt like the temporary funny way of falling into place.
and to hear my students’ tales about life home of that liminal space between
at College. childhood and the world. I remember in Have there been any/many changes to
particular Alice Pung’s encouragement the way students learn today and the
Tom Hampel (2012): I primarily wanted to write and our long discussions about structure of courses compared to your
to keep in touch with the people at different philosophies of education. time at the University?
JCH as well as maintain my broader
connections with its community. It was What do you enjoy most about your Catherine: Even in the few years since
incredibly tough to say goodbye when I tutoring role here? I started my University education,
finished and I found this was an excellent there has been a noticeable change –
way to always remember where my Catherine: I enjoy engaging with students resources are predominately distributed
university journey started. who are passionate about what they’re digitally, which is good for the
studying and also helping students who environment, but not necessarily good
Imogen Melgaard (2004): A chance have just finished high school adjust to for individual student’s learning styles.
reunion with Alice Pung (Artist-in- the challenges of life at University.
Residence) brought me back to JCH Kelly: The lectures of the subject I am
where I was offered a job tutoring Kelly: I always looked up to my tutors tutoring are delivered entirely online,
Politics and Creative Writing. Since and to be able to step into their shoes is which is very different from when I
returning I have rediscovered the beauty such a privilege for me. I also get such a took the subject four years ago! I think
of the redbrick ivy walls and located buzz out of teaching and mentoring my if you are hardworking and determined
again that sense of community. students not only on subject material, but to achieve your goals, you can adapt to
life in general! I know the advantage of such a change.
What is your favourite memory of having a ‘go to’ person who will happily
College tutorials/tutors? listen and pass on their advice. Tom: Fundamentally, the courses are
similar, however the way the content is
Catherine: One of my tutors during my Tom: Tutoring first-year subjects allows being taught is constantly developing.
first year encouraged me to think about me to interact with people who are just I find it is increasingly important to

12 LUCE Number 15 2016