As an experienced tutor I first get to know my student. Their personality, current knowledge and preferred learning style. Then I tailor my teaching methods to them, in order to help them achieve the best results. Ideally I help them to understand the 'why' of science. Why does something work the way it does. In this way I can extend their understanding, giving a strong foundation to build their...
As an experienced tutor I first get to know my student. Their personality, current knowledge and preferred learning style. Then I tailor my teaching methods to them, in order to help them achieve the best results. Ideally I help them to understand the 'why' of science. Why does something work the way it does. In this way I can extend their understanding, giving a strong foundation to build their knowledge on. I do however emphasise some things that must just be learned, parrot-fashion-There are facts that the student must simply memorise. I try to keep this to a minimum though. I always question my students, leading them towards a logical conclusion. I ask them to explain things in their own words, not simply quoting a textbook. If I'm satisfied they understand something, then we have another 'foundation pillar ' to build upon. This allows me to progress to a more complex topic. I always check a student has understood a topic and is competent in it by setting exam-style questions. As a very experienced tutor I know the types of questions and knowledge that the different exam boards are looking for, and so I pose plenty of questions to ensure my student has a deep, reliable understanding before proceeding. Lastly, I always record what we have discussed and learned, so that tuition can proceed in a logical progressive way. Learning should be fun and I always endeavour to incorporate fascinating facts and amusing anecdotes from my personal experience to colour and flavour my teaching. This ensures learning is enjoyable and I always find that the most entertaining lessons are the ones that students remember.