Sonia Khan

I usually teach with a predetermined topic in mind; however, I do ask students if they have tests coming up or if there are any topics they struggle with. This way, I can troubleshoot topics they need extra assistance with. If not, then we go into the lesson blind, and I give them examples on a certain topic, ask if they understand, and set some practice questions. My method is to use the whiteboards provided by Zoom and to just go with the flow of the lesson; if work is too easy, we change the topic.

These questions tend to begin at intermediate level, and progressively become more difficult. I am not trying to push extremely hard concepts onto students, however it is important to help them realise their potential. Therefore, I am a big fan of setting difficult tasks after 10 minute warm ups, but providing no time limit for completion. This way, students test themselves and their knowledge without added pressure. I only add time pressures when doing mock tests!

I tend to start doodling during lessons, to help lighten the mood, for younger students. For example, I will doodle caricatures of Shrek whilst teaching 11 plus students, incentivising them with the finished product in exchange for completing practice papers. They love it and find it very engaging. These same students also learnt very quickly and felt comfortable making mistakes due to how laid-back I am. It is important that students learn, but without intimidation.

If students do not understand, I provide analogies, multiple example, written examples with colour, extra verbal assistance etc, as everyone learns differently. Some are visual learners, others are not. I am very adaptable, so whatever the student prefers is what the student will recieve.