Hi all, today I had a last-minute cancellation, so I took the opportunity to observe Isabella and her student, April, who is preparing for her Year 12 HSC exams. This turned out to be a valuable experience, as I could see how Isabella structured her lesson and tailored her teaching to April’s specific needs.
One of the key things I noticed was how attentive Isabella was to April throughout the session. She began by going over the homework from the previous week, making sure to address any questions or areas where April seemed unsure. It was impressive to see that Isabella didn’t just move quickly through this review but took the time to explain concepts thoroughly. This not only clarified the material for April but also reinforced her understanding, which is so crucial for HSC preparation. Isabella’s approach demonstrated her commitment to keeping April engaged and ensuring that she fully understood the material before progressing further.
Another aspect that stood out was the rapport Isabella had clearly established with April. April seemed very comfortable asking questions and openly sharing when she didn’t understand something. It was evident that Isabella encouraged this openness by consistently checking in, asking if April was following along, and adjusting her teaching pace based on April’s responses. This dynamic created a supportive environment that made April feel more at ease and willing to tackle challenging content without hesitation.
Isabella also customised her explanations to match April’s learning style, which seemed to lean towards visual learning. She used diagrams and visual aids to break down complex ideas, helping April grasp the content without feeling overwhelmed. This thoughtful use of visuals demonstrated Isabella’s insight into April’s preferences and her ability to adapt her teaching methods accordingly.
Overall, observing Isabella’s techniques was inspiring and gave me valuable insights. I gained tips that I’m eager to incorporate into my own tutoring sessions to enhance the learning experience for my students and better support their individual needs. ☺️
Demetria Koutavas
