An excellent personal tutoring (PT) model needs a personalised approach that acknowledges the wealth of lived experiences, strengths, and areas for development that each student brings.
There are valuable resources and examples of research on what the gold standard PT model looks like. A UKAT and Oxford, Brookes University report exploring student identity and special interest groups highlighted the need to ensure student tutees feel they matter.
Related research highlights the importance of communication skills and organisational structures to enable successful tutoring. The growing needs of a diversifying student body means that more than one model may be required. Alongside that, creating space for our academic and personal tutors to develop their knowledge and skills and time to build meaningful relationships and trust with students is also crucial.
Last month, the University of Leeds hosted a deep dive round table discussion, chaired by Professor Karen-Burland Clark, on personal tutoring for diverse students. It raised four interesting themes.
