Today, I had the great opportunity to observe Annabelle act as a cover tutor and teach year 8 maths.
During my observation, I watched Annabelle tutor a Year 8 maths student who was working on indices, algebraic expressions and solving equations. They appeared to be preparing for an upcoming assessment task so there was much importance on understanding certain concepts. As a newer tutor, she presented herself very professionally and created a welcoming environment for the student from the beginning of the lesson. I noticed that she was friendly and approachable, which seemed to help the student feel comfortable asking questions whenever they became unsure.
One thing that stood out to me was Annabelle’s ability to explain concepts clearly without overcomplicating them. When teaching indices, she broke down each rule step by step and regularly checked the student’s understanding before moving on. Rather than simply giving answers, she encouraged the student to attempt each question independently first and then guided them through any mistakes. This appeared to build the student’s confidence throughout the lesson.
I also observed how patient she was when the student struggled with algebraic equations. Instead of rushing through explanations, she used multiple examples and related the concepts back to previous questions so the student could identify patterns. Her communication skills were strong, and she maintained a calm and encouraging tone during the entire session.
Another positive aspect of the lesson was her organisation. She transitioned smoothly between topics and ensured the student stayed focused and engaged. I noticed that she balanced support with independence well, allowing the student enough time to think critically before stepping in to help.
Overall, the observation was valuable because it highlighted the importance of patience, clear communication and adaptability when tutoring students in mathematics.
Overall, this was a great lesson to observe and i commend Annabelle for her welcoming and approachable nature. Well done.
James Petrakis