Thinking about student-teachers? The benefits and first steps

We spoke with lecturer Jip Gudden about recognizing talent, easing the workload, and how the Students as Teachers (SaT) programme not only supports students, but also strengthens teachers and education as a whole.

So, Jip, why students and not teachers? Are students really better suited to teach?
“Student-teachers bring something unique, something that we as regular teachers can just not give: the authentic student perspective. They know exactly what it feels like to work on that same course and can take their fellow students on that learning journey in an accessible way. This also gives self-confidence to the peer students because they think “If my teacher passed the course, I could do it too!”

What I find special is that their fresh perspective also brings new insights. They see what we take for granted and can also positively challenge and innovate processes and structures. And finally, we cannot get around the fact that there is a huge workload in education. Student-teachers can help ease that load.”

Sounds great! But how do you recognize the students who can really make an impact as Student as Teacher?
“You often recognize them by their enthusiasm and inspiring energy during presentations. Sometimes you can also just tell from someone's personality that they could shine in teaching. Let them know that their presentation skills stand out and ask if they would like to do this more often – but as a teacher. Usually, that recognition is just the encouragement they need!

In addition, subject knowledge is important too. As is the motivation to put time and effort into teaching. Of course, they also need to feel confident about the material, and that self-confidence grows in the Students as Teachers-training. A student-teacher really doesn't need to know everything – learning and experimenting are part of the process. And let's be honest, no teacher knows everything!”

I can imagine that partially handing over your teaching responsibilities might feel like letting go of something important. How do you experience this?
“Yes, I understand that it feels like you have to let go of something as a teacher, but you're actually gaining something. It's an opportunity to guide students and see how they approach teaching, and that’s truly amazing to experience.

And because I train them myself, I stay involved. Collaborating with such enthusiastic students is honestly one of the best things about this job. So, it’s not really about giving something away; it’s sharing something and getting something back.”

Doesn't it take a lot of time to train Students as Teachers? How do you combine this with your other work?
“Well, it does indeed take some time. Especially in the beginning. But I truly see it as a sustainable investment. By working with student-teachers from the start, education better aligns with what students need, and that ultimately pays off greatly. You can also request a handy toolbox of training, exercises and assessment forms from the VU CTL. Email ctl@vu.nl and get the necessary documents emailed to you!

And once it's up and running, it gets easier and easier. Experienced student-teachers guide the new groups, creating a kind of ‘train-the-trainer'-model. In this way, you build a continuous programme that only saves time in the long run.”

So, what would you say to a teacher who is still hesitant to implement Students as Teachers?
“The most important thing is to trust the process, see its value, and not be afraid. Take the leap, give it a try!

Recently, one of my nearly graduated students even asked me if there would be a teacher position available soon. Someone like that not only brings fresh knowledge, but also a lot of experience in teaching already. That’s quite remarkable, especially so soon after they finished their studies.”

Want to learn more about working with Students as Teachers at VU? Take a look at the SaT course page.

“Student-teachers bring something unique, something that we as regular teachers can just not give: the authentic student perspective.”

Lecturer Jip Gudden and two student-teachers explain how the SaT programme works: how to get started and how student-teachers not only support their fellow students but also strengthen education at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.

Watch the video on YouTube