Gemma - Cardiff tutor






Information About Gemma:


Personal Description:

I am a very friendly, approachable person with a very positive attitude. I completed my degree in 2006, graduating with BA(hons) Religious Studies and Italian for which I received a 2:1 and a distinction for oral proficiency in Italian. I also studied Religious Studies and Italian at A -Level and GCSE. I have a PGCE (FE) from Cardiff University. I received a Distinction and was awarded Student of the Year. I am currently working as a part time Religious Studies and Italian tutor at a local college and also providing basic skills support for students studying a wide range of courses at the college including Health and Social Care, Motor Vehicle and Art. I have previously worked as a Learning Support Worker which involved assisting students with a wide range of physical and learning difficulties.



Teaching Experience:

I spent a year living in Italy where I taught English as a foreign language to both children and adults. This involved working voluntarily with the University of Parma as part of the Lingua Project which aimed to encourage adults and university students to start or continue studies of a foreign language. During this time I was required to evaluate the materials available to students who attended the language centre and also create individual study plans for students who wanted to brush up on their English. I was also involved with creating tests to be used at the centre. Along with teaching the children this sparked my interest in teaching. When I returned to university I continued helping Italian students studying in Cardiff with their English. This involved meeting up for general conversation practice as well as proof reading essays and helping with academic language.
In June 2008 I completed my PGCE(FE). This involved a period of teaching other students on the course and a Teaching Skills Assessment in preparation for a 5 month teaching placement in a college. My placement took place at Gorseinon College, where I taught AS and A2 Religious Studies with a focus on Philosophy of Religion and Ethics. I was responsible for the planning, delivery and assessment of a course of revision sessions as well as teaching a key text for the synoptic module. I received distinctions for all eight of the Teaching Assessments carried out during my placement.
I am currently working as a Learning Support Worker which has given me excellent experience of working with students with physical disabilities and mild to severe learning difficulties.



Tutoring Approach:

I have a very student centered approach to teaching, as I believe this is better for the student's learning and general development. I like to encourage students to delve into the subject themselves by pointing them in the right direction rather than using the traditional talk and chalk method. This may involve setting a text for them to read and asking questions, or asking the student to research a topic during the session to then give a short presentation at the end.
I also believe that it is important to listen to both the student and the parents about what they expect/need from me so I can adapt my style so it meets the needs of the student. I always take on board feedback so the student is able to reach their full potential. In short my approach depends very much on what the student needs from their tutoring.



Map showing Gemma's location

Qualifications:

  • PGCE(FE)
  • BA (hons) Religious Studies and Italian

Further Information:

Availability:  Weekends / Weekdays (all times)
Types of Tutoring:   Travels to you / From their home
References Supplied?   Yes
Current DBS/CRB Check?   Yes
Additional Languages Spoken:   Italian