This afternoon, I had the opportunity to observe a biology tutoring session between Chloe and her student, Katerina. Initially what I admired about Chloe’s lesson was her choice to visually draw out the models as an extension to what she was teaching. This was a highly receptive way for her student to be actively involved while exploring new concepts. It was great to see how these visuals made abstract ideas more accessible, allowing Katerina to see connections she may not have grasped from listening or reading alone.

Chloe quickly gauged Katerina’s grasp of the topics and then tailored the lesson to suit her needs. Instead of just revisiting concepts/examples Katerina had already covered in class, Chloe challenged her with new examples and advanced questions, prompting Katerina to think critically and problem-solve on the spot. This not only kept the session dynamic but also encouraged Katerina to think beyond the questions on paper and enhance her analytical skills.

This dynamic approach helped Katerina stay engaged and motivated, ensuring that the lesson didn’t become too overwhelming, especially when learning new concepts which can be daunting. Chloe frequently checked in with her student, adjusting the pace when needed and allowed Katerina to clarify concepts about the topic.

Extending further than learning, the nature of the session was very comfortable with Katerina asking questions whenever she was unsure. Towards the end of the session, Chloe provided numerous resources for her student to extend her knowledge, providing extra notes, specifically for topics she had just learnt.

Throughout the session, Chloe’s ability to adapt her teaching style to Katerina’s needs, while keeping the content challenging and engaging made for a highly effective session.

Jessica Ciappara