I had the opportunity to observe Thomas and his Year 9 Maths student who were working on simple interest. Throughout the session there were a range of things he implemented contributed to the session running effectively.

Firstly, his incorporation of visuals and constant feedback. This allowed for the student to improve his understanding of the content while also making complex problems seem less intimidating. This was very visibly effective, creating a comfortable atmosphere and making the student feel more relaxed and at ease.

Additionally, his tone of voice and disciplinary character. Despite being consistently calm and friendly, Thomas remained strict in expressing his goals for the student during the session. By providing explicit instructions for his student he allowed for the most coherent and successful completion of content. This was a critical element that contributed to the productive nature of the session.

Finally, his communication and patience were something unique that elevated the quality of this session. Irrespective of the whether his student may have made mistakes, Thomas continued to be reassuring and supportive. This ensured that he remained motivated and constant in his efforts throughout the entirety of the session.

Katerina Vrahnos