News
A look back at the Réussite rope team, in which Arts et Métiers involved, with testimonials from students.
Indeed, on the Cluny campus, the mobilization of PGE students in the OPTIM network is remarkable. "In order to highlight the strong volunteer commitment of the tutors and the positive impacts of tutoring, I wanted to give a voice to students and beneficiaries," emphasizes Isabelle Duband, professor of Materials Science and Energy and leader of the program.
OPTIM: individual or group tutoring for students in grades 8 through 12, as well as events to raise awareness of artistic and scientific culture.
The OPTIM program is a partnership between the Arts et Métiers campus Arts et Métiers Cluny and seven secondary schools:
- Two middle schools in the urban renewal district of Mâcon: Saint-Exupéry and Robert Schuman
- Three middle schools in isolated rural areas: Saint-Cyr (Matour), En Fleurette (Saint-Gengoux-le-National), and Renon (Vonnas, new partner)
- 2 high schools: La Prat’s (Cluny) and Henri Parriat (Montceau-les-Mines)
Key figures for OPTIM tutoring for the 2022-2023 academic year
- 4 Local Public Education Institutions (EPLE) involved (one more than in previous editions)
- 112 students tutored from 8th to 12th grade
- 86 student tutors from the PGE Arts et Métiers Cluny (74 in the first year and 12 in the second year)
Examples of OPTIM events in 2022-2023
- Cultural and artistic outings (Effervescence film festival for middle school students in Mâcon, etc.)
- Science awareness initiatives (inviting middle school students to the Cluny campus for Science Day, etc.)
- Engineering and Technical Day at Montceau-les-Mines High School (information on careers and career paths with professionals and students in attendance)
Students and volunteers have their say
Omar and Léa, two ninth-grade students at Saint-Exupéry Middle School in Mâcon (group tutoring)
Omar
"I've been enrolled in the OPTIM program for two years now. There isn't a big age gap between us and the students, which makes us feel comfortable asking them questions. They are always available to help us. The tutoring has helped my grades improve. Our discussions with the students are very interesting. The outings offered by OPTIM allow us to learn in a fun and enjoyable atmosphere."
Lea
"Thanks to the students' help, I understand math, physics, and other subjects I was struggling with much better. They show me how to study. I work much harder since I started participating in OPTIM. I'm better at doing the exercises. My grades have improved. It gives me confidence. The students are nice to us. OPTIM helps me a lot. Thank you very much!"
Ylena and Thomas, a high school student-tutor duo who have been working together for two years (individual tutoring at La Prat's high school in Cluny)
Ylena, a senior student tutored by Thomas
"In 10th grade, I felt the need to get more explanations about the lessons I didn't understand at all. In 9th grade, I had already tried OPTIM tutoring at my middle school. When I heard about this program in high school, I volunteered. That's how I met Thomas, who has been my tutor for two years.
Participating in OPTIM has helped me better understand the methods that I was struggling with. Thanks to Thomas's explanations, I am better able to grasp math lessons and understand mathematical concepts. Because we are close in age and the atmosphere is relaxed, the lessons become more accessible.
Ever since I was little, I've wanted to study medicine. That's still my goal, and the help I get from my tutor means I can still see myself achieving it.
Participating in OPTIM has helped me better understand the methods that I was struggling with. Thanks to Thomas's explanations, I am better able to grasp math lessons and understand mathematical concepts. Because we are close in age and the atmosphere is relaxed, the lessons become more accessible.
Ever since I was little, I've wanted to study medicine. That's still my goal, and the help I get from my tutor means I can still see myself achieving it.
Thomas, second-year student in the PGE Arts et Métiers program Arts et Métiers Cluny, tutor toYlena
"I decided to continue participating in the OPTIM program in my second year because I realized that it is an interesting and effective way to help students who request it.
The high school student I have been working with for two years is very serious and motivated, which is encouraging to continue, and we are making good progress together.
I say "we" because I have also learned a lot professionally and personally from my experience as an OPTIM tutor. It's not easy to explain concepts that seem obvious to us. With Ylena, I have developed skills such as knowing how to explain things clearly and putting myself in the other person's shoes, which will serve me well in my future working life."
The high school student I have been working with for two years is very serious and motivated, which is encouraging to continue, and we are making good progress together.
I say "we" because I have also learned a lot professionally and personally from my experience as an OPTIM tutor. It's not easy to explain concepts that seem obvious to us. With Ylena, I have developed skills such as knowing how to explain things clearly and putting myself in the other person's shoes, which will serve me well in my future working life."
Julie and Antoine, high school student and student tutor pair (La Prat’s high school in Cluny)
Julie, senior
"I started OPTIM because I repeated my junior year and needed to brush up on the basics that I didn't know, which I couldn't really do in class. This requires me to set aside time each week: I work harder and better thanks to tutoring.
The lessons are explained to me differently than by the teacher, so I get two complementary perspectives. I feel much more comfortable asking questions than I do in class. Building a genuine relationship of trust makes the tutoring sessions more effective and productive.
At first, I thought we would work on math and physics, but my tutor can also help me with an oral exam in Moral and Civic Education or Life and Earth Sciences... I think Antoine will be a real help in preparing for the baccalaureate oral exam: he will be a support in choosing the topic.
What's more, we can contact our tutors whenever we need to: the support isn't limited to the two hours we spend face to face. We also talk about life after high school: our tutors can advise us on Parcoursup, higher education, and student life. Tutoring has given me confidence. I am more organized, and I know how to be more consistent in my work methods and learning. As a result, my results have improved significantly thanks to OPTIM.
It has given me more confidence in my success and in my plan to study physical therapy.
Today, thanks to my tutor, I no longer learn just for the sake of learning, but I understand first and therefore I learn."
The lessons are explained to me differently than by the teacher, so I get two complementary perspectives. I feel much more comfortable asking questions than I do in class. Building a genuine relationship of trust makes the tutoring sessions more effective and productive.
At first, I thought we would work on math and physics, but my tutor can also help me with an oral exam in Moral and Civic Education or Life and Earth Sciences... I think Antoine will be a real help in preparing for the baccalaureate oral exam: he will be a support in choosing the topic.
What's more, we can contact our tutors whenever we need to: the support isn't limited to the two hours we spend face to face. We also talk about life after high school: our tutors can advise us on Parcoursup, higher education, and student life. Tutoring has given me confidence. I am more organized, and I know how to be more consistent in my work methods and learning. As a result, my results have improved significantly thanks to OPTIM.
It has given me more confidence in my success and in my plan to study physical therapy.
Today, thanks to my tutor, I no longer learn just for the sake of learning, but I understand first and therefore I learn."
Antoine, second-year student in the PGE Arts et Métiers program Arts et Métiers Cluny
"I joined the OPTIM success program in my first year to give back, as I had received help in high school. So I mentored Julie, a deserving young woman who I believe has a bright future ahead of her.
In my second year, I decided to continue tutoring this high school student and increase the frequency of our sessions. I believe this is the best way to have a significant impact on the career path and future of a committed and determined high school student."
In my second year, I decided to continue tutoring this high school student and increase the frequency of our sessions. I believe this is the best way to have a significant impact on the career path and future of a committed and determined high school student."
Testimonials from Arsène MALHERBE and Nathan DENIS
Useful links
See also
