Today, I had the privilege of observing fellow tutor Joe’s session for his senior maths and physics student, Frida.

Joe took Frida through a few rounds of GeoGuessr to warm up. This game is perfect for tutoring – it’s a fun, challenging, and engaging brain break that forces you to think outside the box, interpret obscure clues in the surrounding environment and to be observant. This really struck me as creative on Joe’s part – it’s definitely a top pick for when I’m tutoring my students, which demonstrates the level at which he understands them. Frida also seemed to be highly invested in this activity, even striking up casual conversation simultaneously with Joe, demonstrating his skill in creating an invigorating yet comfortable and cordial learning environment.

Though even more striking I feel was the way he took Frida through her physics work afterwards. There was a noticeable shift in tone between the two – what was once carefree and energetic was now focused and direct, though nothing about his casual and conversational approach from before had changed. He was always privy to answer any complicated questions Frida was willing to ask. I could tell that Joe gets along with Frida, which is important in tutoring as it really helps in build confidence in the student by keeping things light and low-pressure.

Joe was very effective at summing up otherwise tricky physics concepts in a more intuitive way. He described physical concepts in easy-to-understand everyday language whilst using physical objects in his vicinity to demonstrate phenomena like the forces acting on a particle, which is a tried and true method, again reflecting positively on Joe’s aptitude as a tutor, and is something I’m trying to include more of in my sessions.

Overall a very insightful session which really demonstrated Joe’s efficiency, skill and professionalism as a tutor. Cheers Joe!

Zac Markovina