Today I had the opportunity to watch Ashley’s session!
From the outset, Ashley exhibited a keen awareness of effective educational engagement. Her approach was marked by a deliberate attempt to create a space of intellectual curiosity and mutual respect. There was an immediate sense of how critical the initial moments of interaction are in establishing a productive learning environment. A particularly noteworthy moment emerged when the student expressed skepticism about the lesson’s relevance. Instead of dismissing the concern, Ashley transformed it into a genuine point of discussion. By acknowledging the student’s perspective, she demonstrated a nuanced understanding of educational psychology – recognizing that validation often precedes genuine learning.
Ashley’s methodology was particularly impressive in how she broke down complex concepts. Rather than presenting information as an immutable fact, she invited her student to explore the underlying reasoning. This approach did more than teach content; it modelled critical thinking. The student was not merely a recipient of knowledge, but an active participant in the learning process. What stood out was Ashley’s ability to maintain a delicate balance between challenge and support. When the student struggled, the response was neither patronizing nor dismissive. Instead, there was a careful calibration of guidance – providing just enough support to enable independent understanding without removing the intellectual challenge. The session was a reminder that effective tutoring transcends mere information transfer. It is about creating a dynamic where learning becomes an engaging, collaborative journey.
Great work!
Thea Macarthur-Lassen
