Hi everyone,
My student was sick today so I got the opportunity to observe Xander and his student during their maths session!
Throughout the session, Xander demonstrated a wonderful rapport with his student and used encouraging language. When the student was unwilling to complete work, he was also able to redirect her to the questions.
As the student was having a bit of trouble with the practice paper they were completing, Xander guided her thinking through small steps. To increase the student’s confidence and independence, Xander then asked her to complete questions on her own without guidance. After giving the student sufficient time to think through questions thoroughly and attempt them, he then stepped in if she was still having trouble. He explained the questions and the basic concepts behind them really well and used repetition to ensure that the student had understood. He provided enough direction for her to understand how to solve the questions, then prompted her to re-attempt the question. This strategy of gradually fading out support and only providing the minimum needed is helpful for increasing learning and independence.
Some helpful strategies were also used during the teaching moments. Xander made good use of visuals and drawing to help the student understand the questions. As they were doing composite areas and shapes, drawing was particularly useful.
Another thing he emphasised throughout the session was clarity of working out. He made sure the student showed working out step-by-step, so that markers can clearly see what is being done.
Thanks for letting me observe!
Derus Kung
