A DAY IN
Rachel Milne ( Class of 2021 )
THE LIFE
Making a positive difference to the lives of others is what QMU is all about . That ’ s why we love hearing about the impact our Enhanced Learning Tutoring Initiative is having on young people throughout East Lothian and Midlothian .
QMU SPEARHEADED THE Enhanced Learning Tutoring Initiative in 2020 to support secondary school pupils who struggled to keep up with learning during the pandemic . Along with our partner , East Lothian Council , we ’ ve not only supported over 300 pupils , we ’ ve created employment for talented new graduates . The project expanded in 2021 / 22 academic year to include Midlothian .
Rachel Milne , a recent QMU Media Studies graduate , works as a tutor on the project . She tells us about the role and rewards of being part of this important widening-access initiative and how it is transforming young lives .
Why is the tutoring project so important ?
Many pupils found it difficult to engage with their school ’ s online learning provision , particularly those who struggle with concentration and / or have additional support needs . Pupils ' routines have been massively disrupted and often their home environment is not conducive to learning . Many pupils have missed classes due to illness and self-isolation , while others have also struggled with motivation due to loneliness and isolation . It ’ s critical we help students catch up with learning so they ’ re not disadvantaged in the future .
How did you get involved ?
I ’ m a leader with QMU ’ s Peer Assisted Learning Scheme , so I have experience of supporting undergraduate students . I was keen to further develop my skills so was encouraged to apply .
How do you help pupils involved in the project ?
I ’ m studying a full-time Masters in Comparative Literature at the University of Glasgow , so I work part-time providing online support to pupils who need help , particularly with National 5 and Higher English .
What ’ s involved ?
In the morning I do my planning and then run two online sessions per day for an hour each . I start sessions by discussing the student ’ s mood and their general interests , see if they are happy to progress with our agreed lesson plan from the week before , or ask if there is anything else that they ’ d prefer to work on during our session . I make sessions as engaging as possible , and at the end , we devise a plan for the following week . I keep teachers up-todate with progress or any difficulties , and share ideas for future sessions .
What ' s been most rewarding ?
Watching a student ' s confidence grow , both in terms of their academic progression but also in how they engage with me in their sessions . It ' s great to see them grasp a difficult concept , and to witness this having a positive impact on their self-esteem .
Best moment ?
During an activity when a student told me how much more she ' s started to believe in herself and her own abilities .
What ' s most challenging ?
Helping them feel less nervous at the beginning of the project . I try to create a comfortable and productive dynamic . It can be difficult , but it ’ s satisfying when they really start enjoying the sessions .
What has the Enhanced Learning Tutoring Initiative meant to you ?
Being part of this project has meant a lot ! I ' ve learned about myself and how I work with and interact with younger people . Being able to support pupils during such a difficult time has had a positive impact on my own self-esteem . I gain new skills during each session , and I ’ ll continue to learn and grow throughout my time with the project .
Find out more about the Enhanced Learning Tutoring Initiative . ❒
QMYOU / Shaping A Better World : Transforming Young Lives 15