Observation

Today, I had the oppotunity to observe Pamela during her session with her Mathematics student, Nico. The lesson began with BEDMAS, where Nico practised solving mathematical expressions involving multiple operations. Pamela used this opportunity to reinforce the importance of approaching calculations systematically and paying close attention to the order in which the operations are completed.


One aspect of Pamela's teaching that stood out to me was her emphasis on helping Nico understand the reasoning behind each step rather than simply memorising the BEDMAS rule. She encouraged him to examine each expression carefully, identify the operations involved and determine the correct sequence before beginning his calculations. I found this approach effective because it encouraged Nico to apply his mathematical knowledge thoughtfully rather than relying on a set procedure. It also demonstrated how developing a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts can help students approach increasingly complex questions with greater independence and accuracy.

Pamela also incorporated different multiplication strategies throughout the lesson demonstrating alternative methods Nico could use to approach calculations more efficiently. She explained how breaking down larger numbers and applying different techniques could make multiplication questions easier to manage. This was particularly beneficial in showing Nico that mathematical problems can be solved in more than one way. Pamela encouraged him to explore these approaches where possible, as it helped strengthen his number sense and develop greater flexibility when tackling unfamiliar questions.

Overall, I found the observation to be a valuable learning experience, particularly in seeing how Pamela incorporated different teaching strategies to strengthen Nico's mathematical understanding. This session highlighted the importance of encouraging students to explore different approaches to problem-solving and develop a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts, which I hope to incorporate into my own tutoring sessions.