I was given the wonderful opportunity to observe Pamela tutor her Year 8 Math student.

Pamela began the lesson by checking on her student’s progress in school which led them to work on the claw method to expand brackets in algebra. Pamela began by using the board to explain in depth the method for solving questions involving this process. Initially, her student was met with uncertainty about multiplying letters and negative numbers. However, Pamela was so helpful in breaking down the process and colour coding the working out for her student to see clearly and understand. After providing the steps for the working out, she independently allowed her student to progress and finish the rest of the question. After following this process for a few questions, her student’s confidence gradually increased. Pamela’s patience and reassurance throughout also enabled the student to feel more motivated and open minded to completing more difficult questions. Pamela was also very attentive to her student’s progress where she was able to register her student’s uncertainty and unease while completing the questions. This ensured that the student didn’t become distracted from the lesson and disengaged from the content. Despite her student’s tiredness after school, she effectively kept her student’s attention by asking about things he was looking forward to at school while also reflecting on enjoyable activities he did throughout the holidays. Overall, Pamela did an amazing job at keeping her student’s focus on the lesson and created a comfortable space for her student to ask questions and express his concerns regarding the content taught.

Well done Pamela!!

Marina Nouris