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Original poster

Any further education tutors about? What makes a decent student?

11 replies

Goodnighttv · 21/02/2020 13:37

I’m back in education after a long-ish gap (career then babies) and I feel so lucky and happy to be retraining and back in that ‘learning’ environment.

But I just feel like I’ve lost my confidence with studying - I’m older than most of the others on the course and I think I’ve got quite bad imposter syndrome. I worry that I ask too many questions or seem like I’m trying too hard (Probably because I am! Grin)

I just wondered if there are any tutors about that could tell me, what makes a “good” student for you? Who are the students that make you look forward to coming to work and teaching them - what is it about them that stands out? Hopefully I might be able to try and channel some of whatever it is that they’ve got!

OP posts:
Original poster
Goodnighttv · 21/02/2020 17:35

Hopeful bump for the evening crowd! (Or should I ask for this to be moved into ‘Further Education’ maybe?)

OP posts:
noblegiraffe · 21/02/2020 17:41

Not in FE but I imagine it’s the same as in secondary - someone who does the work, engages with discussions but doesn’t dominate, asks pertinent questions at an appropriate time and is generally happy to be in the session.

And doesn’t chat when the teacher is teaching.

MadeinBelfast · 21/02/2020 17:47

Hi there, the fact that you've had the drive to come back to education as an 'older' student already makes me feel positively towards you! We know how hard it is to work with family commitments etc and so we really respect the fact that you've chosen to come back to college when you may have lots more responsibilities than younger students.
In terms of being a good student, try to attend all classes and show that you're there in mind, not just body! Ask questions (even if you do it at the end of the class to avoid being seen as the class 'swot'!), do any work set, meet deadlines and ask for help as soon as you need it, not when the situation has become desperate (which hopefully won't ever happen!)
Try to make the effort to get on with the other, younger, students too. My classes have a big range of ages and they really benefit from listening to each others views and picking up tips from each other. Good luck!

willnotbetamed · 21/02/2020 18:56

Well done for braving it! I work in HE (not in the UK) and I can identify - I was 26 when I started my MA and 29 with a baby when I finished it, and I'm now late 30s and have 3 kids and a PhD. Imposter syndrome can strike at any age and in any situation! Don't let it get you. Just be yourself, and be open-minded about your cohort - there's no reason why you can't make friends with younger (or older) students. Many of the younger ones may be just as shy at reaching out to someone not their own age, but it doesn't have to be a thing at all. Most important thing, keep enjoying it. Having someone in the room who really appreciates why they are there is great for the whole group. Good luck!

HollowTalk · 21/02/2020 19:05

I taught in an FE college for a long time.

Students who attend every lesson and attend on time are the best. It's horrible having to spend extra time with students who've been skiving, just to keep them up to scratch. (Because in the end the teacher is judged by the students' results.)

Students who join in and ask questions are great, but perhaps if you've got a ton of questions you could write them down as you think of them - it's a sign of an enquiring mind Grin but it can be a pain if you're being interrupted all the time. You might find that those questions are answered later in the lesson.

One good thing I found about slightly older students is that they can say "ffs grow up" to younger students who are messing around. It stops them in their tracks really quickly.

Original poster
Goodnighttv · 21/02/2020 19:46

These replies are honestly so helpful and encouraging, I really really appreciate them, thank you!

willnot how on earth did you manage to successfully complete a PhD with three kids, I am in awe!

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Tiggles · 21/02/2020 20:22

Dh is a uni lecturer...
Students who turn up
Students who don't spend all the lecture on their phone
Students who actually read the books they are asked to
Students who attempt the work and then say I am stuck 'here' rather than not even trying to start.

willnotbetamed · 22/02/2020 14:24

GoodnightTV it was not a strategic plan - more just that I kept enjoying what I was doing and didn't see a reason to stop! I worked for a research institute, so it sort of fitted together - the income was enough to live on and there were lots of overlaps with study anyway. I am still quite surprised at how well it has turned out but I don't have a permanent position anywhere yet, so who knows, may still end up doing something different. I actually find the kids great, they keep my feet on the ground - I feel like I never really have enough time for everything, but lots of colleagues without kids seem to feel the same way...

Thecomfortador · 22/02/2020 15:06

Dp in HE - he's sick of students who aren't interested (on phones, talking through classes), clock in then walk out, not even trying to do the work then asking for help at midnight before the work is due in, asking "is this on the exam"?
So yeah, turning up, engaging but not dominating, asking pertinent questions and seeking help well in advance of the deadline are all good attributes.

Yellredder · 22/02/2020 16:01

Turn up on time, engage in class, submit set work - and don't be afraid to ask questions!

Original poster
Goodnighttv · 23/02/2020 12:47

Thanks again for the replies - lots to take on board! I think it just feels different now because I have a different attitude to education now I’m older with a bit more life experience. Don’t get me wrong, I was good at uni when I was 18, I wasn’t a nightmare student or anything Grin but now I really appreciate it and want to make the absolute most of the opportunity, so I put a lot more pressure on myself and it affects my focus... I think I just took it all for granted when I was younger!

Great to know that tutors seem to respect older students - makes me feel less of an ‘imposter’!

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