I had the lovely opportunity to observe Marina’s session with her Primary English student!
Marina delivered a highly organised as well as engaging lesson, focusing on spelling. Together they worked through some look-cover-write-check worksheets…
Here are some great techniques Marina was using in her lesson that I will be sure to take on within my own lessons.
Voice:
When tutoring younger students it is important to speak in a way that allows the student to connect and engage with the lesson. I was impressed by Marina’s use of a clear yet kind and enthusiastic voice when she was teaching. I took note of how she commended her student when he got a question right and showed kindness and support when he got stuck. It was clear that the student’s confidence in his work increased as the lesson progressed.
Attentiveness:
It is very important to always show attentiveness towards the students when they are completing their work in session. I noticed how closely Marina worked with her student throughout the lesson, being constantly engaged. This technique is hugely beneficial as it makes the student feel supported as they do their work, and creates a sense of teamwork where the tutor is someone the student is working “with” not “for”. The tutors engagement also makes it much easier for the student to stay on task, which is especially beneficial when tutoring primary/younger students.
Use of resources/tools:
Sometimes the difference between a good tutoring session and a great one can be how creatively the tutor uses their tools to keep the student engaged and excited to learn. I was impressed by Marina’s use of a variety of resources to keep the lesson constantly moving and changing. Some examples were, her use of the mini whiteboard for explanations which the student could also use and interact with, using coloured pencils as part of an exercise to make the work more fun, and giving the student a crossword puzzle as a short mental break while she marked his work. Marina’s creative use of resources kept the student engaged and interested in the work throughout the entire hour.
Using all these methods and more, Marina’s lesson was super effective and engaging, leaving the student confident and happy by the end. I’ll be sure to take these great tips with me in my future lessons.
Thanks Marina!!
Demi Tselios
