Who are you? What do you do in everyday life? And what do you do at Studied? 

My name is Abel, I am 20 years old and I am in the third year of my Psychology studies in Maastricht. I am also a member of Student Association Circumflex where I am on several committees, such as the study guidance committee. Furthermore, I play rugby. For this I have two training sessions and a match every week. Since one year I have been working at Studied. I tutor physics, chemistry and both math A and B.

What subject do you enjoy teaching the most? 

Chemistry I really enjoy teaching because it's very abstract. You can't hold it or see it happen. Of course you can see two substances react, but you can't see exactly what happens. I always really enjoy conveying how to properly understand the abstract aspects of chemistry.

What do you love about teaching at Studied?

I always liked explaining things to people. For example, my parents always say that even in grade 3 I was asked to explain things on the board in front of the class so that everyone could understand it better. This has never been different and a career as a teacher has always seemed fun to me. However, I also really enjoy my studies. For me, therefore, the great thing about teaching at Studied is that I not only teach, but I can continue to study.

What do most students struggle with?

In chemistry, most students struggle with: 

1. The concept of substances stuck together with molecules
2. Redox reactions and acid-base reactions.

These two topics are very similar, so if you understand one you understand the other, and vice versa. To make sure students understand these two topics, I explain it in a clear and visual way. This makes it less abstract and allows students to see it clearly in front of them. 

In addition, students often have difficulty applying the material. They understand the theory sufficiently, but when doing the exercises things go wrong. In those cases, I always try to do the exercises in steps together with the student and point out things they may have overlooked.

How do you ensure that your students progress?

I go through the new material with students every week. Further, I try to make sure that the tasks of the new ones are done independently and only give hints or help when I notice that they are stuck. In this way, it slowly becomes easier and easier to do the assignments on their own without my help. This is how my students progress step by step! 

What is your most important tip for students?

Creating assignments and practice tests is the best way to prepare for test taking. This may sound a little simple and cliché, but it is true. Practice helps much better than more explanations or question time. After all, the test is ultimately about applying the material. 

What is your most important tip for final exams? 

Above all, make a lot of exams. The question format is the most important thing to practice because you haven't had it that way on school exams yet.

How important do you feel the click with your students is?

Very important. In the end, giving explanations makes little sense if you don't have a click with a student. In fact, you store the content of lessons better if you have a click with the student, and vice versa, of course! 

Do you find your work compatible with your other pursuits?

My work is very compatible with studying and other things. In fact, I plan my lessons myself. So if I have an hour free one day, I can teach.

Would you recommend working at Studied? And why?

I would definitely recommend it if you liked your courses in high school and found them interesting You are, after all, working on the same material again and this way you get paid for it too.

Taking counseling at Abel? Check out www.studied.nl and contact us!