Helen K

As a Ph.D. student, I was able to gain teaching experience by providing lectures and tutorials to first-year students in relevant fields to my studies. I was also involved with the Brilliant Club in which a combination of in-school tutorials and online resources were provided to pupils aged 10-18 with the aim to develop the knowledge, skills, and ambition needed to progress to highly-selective universities. Each student learns differently, and, so the way I approach teaching topics is not subjected to one method alone. I like to gain an understanding of how the student learns and then apply the relevant teaching methods to their style of learning. Above all, to help students engage and remain enthusiastic, I aim to make learning enjoyable.

Tutoring experience was gained through teaching for a club in which I provided 12 students, aged 12-13, with a combination of in-school tutorials, online resources and workbooks to develop the knowledge, skills and ambition needed to progress to highly-selective universities. The programme involves seven tutorials with a final assessment pitched one grade above their current level, in which one-to-one feedback sessions were provided in order to help them achieve their goals.

To gauge the students understanding of the topics in hand an initial assessment will be given. From this lesson plans can be drawn, with key focus on the areas in which the student struggled in. To ensure a good lesson I start by outlining the goals for the session telling the student what it is we intend to cover and the steps which will be taken. The topic will then be presented and discussed in a methodical way, by starting with the basics and building up from there. As we build from the basics, simple student exercises will be completed after each step ensuing understanding of the theory and methods applied in achieving the outlined goals. For core subjects, the exercises could be presented as practical life (for example explaining fractions with male and female family members). As the lesson draws to a finish, I will inform the student of what we shall be encountering in the nest session. Homework may be given when appropriate, depending on progress and school workload.