I was able to observe Harry Mav tutoring a class of kids during his Wednesday afternoon 4-6 Y11 Extension Mathematics session, to which I found was a very insightful experience. It reminded me that tutoring doesn’t have to be as robotic as some of the work we might have in schooling. Being a tutor is being a leader, and adapting your learning style to the needs of your student. Harry’s style reminds me of simpler times with my own mathematics education in high school, and how enjoyable that was for me. Watching him nourish the passion of his students inspires me in my tutoring.

In his session, Harry would take his students through the basics of the content – allowing them to engage, ask questions and provide their own insights, and progressively delving into more advanced concepts or questions. He was very casual and lighthearted in his manner of speaking. He would often ask the students things like “what’s the proper name of this?” or “What do you call this type of function?”…etc, really allowing his students to fill in the blanks. It was really clear that Harry has a passion for maths. Hearing him tutor took me back to a time when I was learning this content in my own mathematics classes, with my old high school teacher. She would often incorporate a similar demeanor and engaging approach, which really made lessons enjoyable and memorable. I owe my own success to this, and it’s Harry’s effective approach that really gave me some insight on how I can try to apply these practices in my own tutoring.

The 10 minute “game breaks” Harry took the students through backs my point up. It’s in the little things like this that really make lessons like his memorable and enjoyable. Harry doesn’t just know his stuff here – he allows the brain to rest, and allows a ‘session’ to also be a fun activity – which fosters a growing passion in his students. This helps if the student’s with friends, turning the chore of schoolwork into a fun, yet productive, weekly club.

I ultimately found Harry’s approach to tuition to be admirable and inspiring. He took charge and led his students in an effective and empathetic manner that fostered curiosity and confidence. This allows them to grow ever-more passionate for mathematics, whilst keeping things enjoyable and lighthearted. Watching him tutor students was like watching a gardener tending to his flowers – ensuring they’re growing and developing ‘happily’. Thanks Harry

Zac Markovina