UNSW Foundation Maths Session Observation
The tutor was welcoming to the student and checked what topics the student wanted to work on/learn, which effectively ensures that the student actually gets what they want out from the tutor and learns what is most urgent/important. The tutor went through practice questions provided by the student and slowly worked through them, explaining the thought process behind the questions every time. Some of the topics addressed was combinatorics, binomial distribution and other probability concepts such as Pascal's Triangle. It is important the student also has questions for the tutor and shows their eagerness to learn and improve. Students, particularly at a more mature age, need to take responsibility for their learning so they can target the areas that require the most work with their tutor. They can always be doing practice questions throughout the week as well as tutoring homework to be certain to have questions to ask tutors. This also reinforces concepts learnt in sessions/classes. Additionally, practice questions are effectively the best method of learning. This is because it is a form of active recall, or rather, the retrieval of information from the brain. This is psychologically proven to be an effective study method known as retrieval practice. The students action of retrieving information from their brain solidifies the information into longer term memory. This was emphasised by the tutor, telling his student that after completing many questions, you will gain better pattern recognition, and understand what to do in different situations regarding a single topic.
Other effective study methods which will minimise study time include spaced repetition and elaboration. Spaced repetition combined alongside active recall (practice questions, flashcards etc.) allows for the stabilisation of memories/information in the brain and is much more effective compared to a common study technique of cramming all of the content in one night. Elaboration involves drawing connections between different contextual points, whether it is involved in examinable content or the real world, allows for further consolidation of information in a students mind.
I did not get a chance to take a photo sorry...
