Recently, I had the chance to observe one of Tarrant’s tutoring sessions, where he tackled the cubic rule—a topic that can often feel abstract and challenging for students. Watching his teaching approach was both inspiring and insightful, as he skillfully broke down a complex concept into manageable parts while maintaining an engaging atmosphere.
The session began with Tarrant establishing a friendly, relaxed tone, which immediately put the student at ease. This initial connection made the student more receptive and confident to engage with a difficult topic. Tarrant used an analogy to introduce the concept of the cubic rule, likening it to the dimensions of a physical cube: length, width, and height. This visualization bridged the gap between abstract mathematical ideas and tangible real-world examples, making the rule easier to grasp.
He then introduced the key formula step by step, ensuring the student understood how each part contributed to solving cubic equations. Tarrant used a whiteboard to visually demonstrate the relationship between the variables and coefficients in the equation. This was paired with worked examples, which he solved in real time, explaining his thought process at every stage.
What stood out was Tarrant’s use of questioning to gauge the student’s understanding. He often paused to ask, “What do you think the next step is?” or “Why do you think this works?” These prompts encouraged the student to think critically and solidify their grasp of the concept.
By the end of the session, the student not only understood the cubic rule but also felt empowered to approach similar problems independently. Observing Tarrant’s teaching reminded me of the importance of patience, creativity, and adaptability in tutoring. His ability to transform a daunting topic into something accessible and enjoyable was a masterclass in effective teaching.
Chanele Bteddini
