Today, Demee walked through the introductory concepts of geometry and parts of a circle with her student. She created a comfortable environment for her student to learn in by breaking the ice with light conversation about school, and was then able to smoothly transition to what they were going to work on for the day. They began by exploring the relationship between the diameter and the radius of a circle, using diagrams as a visual aid. When looking at circle circumference and area, Demee referenced their prior sessions to help her student remember the concept of pi, and went over an example question to ensure the student was comfortable with the basics before continuing. By sharing her own experiences with the topic, Demee related to the student which helped nurture a positive mindset surrounding maths and relieve any anxiety. This immediately encouraged the student and boosted their confidence, increasing the motivation to continue completing questions and learning about the topic further. Demee employed a variety of teaching methods in the session; maintaining clarity by avoiding unnecessary jargon when explaining questions and concepts, solving word problems by unpacking the layers and red herrings, and focusing on the effort the student puts into answering a question rather than how correct they are.
Half way through the session, Demee checked in with the student by asking them whether they would prefer to continue on the current topic or transition to another one. This student-guided approach to the afternoon is a great method for high school students who understand their weak points and can help the pair use their time productively. It also improves the student’s engagement, as they are less likely to become disinterested and fatigued. Overall, the session’s success can be attributed to Demee’s encouraging demeanour and gentle explanations, leaving the student with a greater understanding and a smile on their face.

Gemma Vinciguerra