Today I observed Annaliese’s tutoring session with a highly advanced Year 7 maths student. This was a dynamic and engaging lesson that balanced and challenged the kids, curiosity, and focus level. From the start, she tailored the session accordingly, moving beyond the what he was doing in class to introduce new concepts and topics. Rather than simply reinforcing and going over what he had already mastered, she presented him with fresh, and complex problems that encouraged deeper thinking and harder problem-solving. she layered in additional elements, to push him to extend his understanding further.

To keep the session going, Annaliese incorporated NAPLAN questions as he is in YEAR 7. She ensured he remained interested by maintaining a conversational approach, weaving in casual discussions and checking in on his engagement level. This balance prevented the lesson from feeling rigid, allowing for a more enjoyable and stimulating learning experience.

Throughout the session, she maintained a flexible structure, adjusting the difficulty of tasks based on his responses. If he solved a problem too easily, she modified it to introduce a more complex twist. When a new concept intrigued him, she allowed space for further exploration rather than rushing through a set plan.

As the session progressed, Annaliese made use of any remaining time by branching into other subjects, reinforcing a well-rounded academic approach. She engaged him in discussions about science and English, making connections between different disciplines and encouraging intellectual curiosity beyond mathematics. This approach ensured that every moment of the lesson was meaningful, leaving the student not only challenged but also excited about learning.

Her ability to adapt, challenge, and engage effectively created an environment where the student thrived, reinforcing his love for learning while preparing him for future academic success.

Shyla Gloster