Today, I observed Olga working with Kris K, a Year 5 student, on overall revision topics, including addition, subtraction, place value, and fractions. The session highlighted Olga’s effective teaching strategies and her ability to create an engaging and supportive learning environment.
Olga began by assessing Kris’s understanding of each topic, using a mix of quick questions and brief exercises to identify his strengths and areas needing further practice. This initial assessment allowed her to tailor the session to Kris’s specific needs, ensuring time was spent effectively on areas requiring more attention.
One of Olga’s strengths was her clear and structured explanations. For example, when revisiting place value, she used a combination of visual aids and real-world examples to make the concept more tangible. Similarly, in fractions, she related the topic to everyday scenarios, such as slicing a pizza, to help Kris grasp the idea of parts of a whole.
Olga’s patience was another standout feature. When Kris struggled with subtraction involving borrowing, she calmly broke down the process into smaller steps, repeating explanations as needed and offering encouraging feedback. This approach allowed Kris to work through his difficulties without feeling rushed or frustrated.
To keep the session engaging, Olga incorporated interactive elements, such as puzzles and problem-solving activities, which helped maintain Kris’s focus and made the revision more enjoyable. She also praised Kris’s efforts consistently, boosting his confidence and encouraging a positive attitude toward learning.
By the end of the session, Kris demonstrated improved understanding across the topics covered, and he seemed more confident in tackling similar problems independently. Olga’s thoughtful approach to revision underscored the importance of adaptability, clear communication, and fostering a positive learning environment, qualities I hope to emulate in my tutoring sessions.
Demetria Koutavas
