How Our Tutors Improved First-Year Pass Rates

First-year marks used to drop sharply in the second term. Two years ago we asked our senior students to work as tutors and the results spoke for themselves. Every tutor now runs a weekly group of about twelve students. They go through past questions, explain tricky concepts in plain language and report back to the lecturer.

A tutor who passed the same course last year knows exactly where you are stuck. Dr Pieter van der Merwe, Dean of Commerce

Pass rates in our first-year commerce modules rose steadily, and students tell us they feel less alone. Ask your department about joining a tutorial group.

How the tutor groups work

Groups meet once a week for an hour in the same venue. Tutors are trained by our Student Support Office before term starts. They do not give out answers. They ask questions until you can explain the work yourself, which is what the exam will ask of you.

What students told us

In our end-of-year survey, most first-years said the group helped them keep up with reading. Several said it was the first place they felt comfortable asking a question. We use that feedback to adjust group sizes and meeting times each semester.