Kelly

Tutoring Experience

Since September 2022, I've been tutoring, and since January 2018, I've been a part-time university lecturer at the University of the Witwatersrand. In my capacity as a lecturer, I've developed, taught, and assessed a wide range of literature courses, spanning from Beowulf to contemporary works.

I also gained experience as a tutor from January 2014 to December 2015, specializing in English education for students from preschool to grade 12.

I worked as a university writing consultant between July 2013 and December 2014, providing composition assistance to both undergraduate and postgraduate students across various disciplines. In my role as an undergraduate tutor from January 2010 to December 2011, I focused on academic writing, including composition, critical thinking, argumentation, editing, and presentation skills.

From February 2019 to September 2021, I had the opportunity to work as a contracted textbook writer, concentrating on English literature topics like poetry (Renaissance to present), The Handmaid's Tale, The Theory of Flight, and exam preparation.

Tutoring Approach

In my approach to tutoring English and aiding students in exam preparation, I employ a two-pronged strategy, with a focus on nurturing both their writing skills and their depth of understanding.

Firstly, my primary goal is to empower students to develop and articulate their own ideas effectively. To achieve this, I find it most valuable to work with the student's own written work. Together, we explore how to comprehend the essence of the question and structure their responses in a manner that aligns with the assessment criteria. This comprehensive approach takes into account various facets, including essay structure, writing techniques, and the skillful use of language to convey ideas persuasively.

Secondly, I place great emphasis on content support. In this aspect, I prefer to engage in a productive dialogue with the student. We discuss the literary texts in depth, examining different perspectives, approaches, and interpretations. Through this interactive exchange, the student not only gains a richer understanding of the material but also hones their analytical skills, enabling them to provide more insightful analyses of the works.

This dynamic and collaborative process fosters a deeper appreciation of literature and enhances the student's ability to engage critically with complex literary texts, ultimately equipping them with the tools needed for success in their exams.