Today, I had the opportunity to observe James working with Owen, his Year 6 student, on his weekly homework. Their lesson covered a range of subjects, including science, geography, and maths, and it was encouraging to see the strategies James used to engage Owen and support his understanding across these topics.
One of the standout elements of James’s approach was his use of interactive questioning throughout the session. Rather than simply providing answers, James asked Owen guiding questions that encouraged him to think critically and arrive at conclusions on his own. For instance, when they tackled a challenging maths problem, James would ask questions that led Owen step-by-step through the process, allowing him to build confidence and problem-solving skills. Observing this reminded me of the power of questioning techniques in helping students develop independent thinking, which I plan to incorporate more in my own lessons.
James also demonstrated excellent communication skills, adjusting his tone and language to match Owen’s comprehension level. For example, when working on a science concept, he used real-world examples that Owen could relate to, making the subject matter more tangible and understandable. James checked in regularly to ensure Owen was following along, and I noticed that this kept Owen engaged and confident in his responses. This approach reminded me of the impact of clear, relatable communication in helping students feel comfortable to ask questions and express any confusion.
Finally, James included positive reinforcement throughout the lesson. Each time Owen successfully completed a question or grasped a challenging concept, James acknowledged his effort, reinforcing his confidence. This small but impactful approach encouraged Owen to stay motivated and participate actively. I plan to incorporate this consistent encouragement in my own lessons, as it fosters a supportive learning environment that celebrates progress.
Overall, observing James and Owen’s lesson provided valuable insights into effective tutoring techniques, which I look forward to applying in my future sessions to enhance my students’ learning experiences.
Demetria Koutavas
