Helping students to develop their academic skills should be an integral part of the academic experience. Whether they are performing well or experiencing severe academic difficulties, most students worry about their ability to learn at some point in their course. Anxiety can be a big inhibitor of learning and worrying about their ability to study effectively is a very common reason for students to seek help from their tutor. First year students particularly may have worries and concerns over their ability to study. Their prior educational experience can differ markedly from the expectations of higher education with the result that students feel that they lack the study skills and techniques necessary for success.
The University seeks to develop confident, employable graduates, who are highly regarded by graduate recruiters, and who, in addition to a fulfilling academic programme, have had the opportunity to acquire the full range of York St John Graduate Attributes that allow them to become effective citizens, employees and entrepreneurs. Tutors can help their tutees achieve these goals by helping them focus on their personal development, through identifying personal goals, promoting reflective learning and action planning, and encouraging students to make the most of the extra-curricular opportunities available to them at the University. Discussions around more general topics such as employability and career guidance help students focus on becoming a well-rounded individual with the skills and attributes that employers seek.
Academic Tutors are uniquely placed to help students with their academic and personal development. Individual meetings should focus on academic progress and are particularly important at key points in the academic year, such as before and after first semester assessments. Group tutorials should include structured and purposeful activities that enable students to develop academic and professional skills, promote a sense of belonging and encourage collaborative learning.