In my selected studies of Biochemistry, Ashleigh’s approach to tutoring really connects with me. Like Ashleigh, I tend to have the client look at the big picture first. This allows for the client to begin to really think about the material. Then, I probe the student with questions to see where their strengths and weaknesses are. Based on that, I have the student provide detailed narratives on material to have them go past the superficial knowledge, using supplement figures if nessecary. This allows for the student to take control of their learning while I guide them in the most helpful direction. Ashleigh seemed to do this quite nicely, especially ending with the comforting of the student. Student’s tend to struggle with my subject matter, and it’s always helpful to let them know that I’m here to support them for the whole way through.
In addition, Margaux also has a good method to helping clients. Again, she probes the student with questions to encourage speed on the GMAT questions. This means that she assessed the situation and planned a way to directly impact the student on the students needs. She also makes sure that the student realizes the important questions to ask themselves on different types of problems–a great tool to ensure the client understands. She fosters this by initially leading the student in the problems and allowing them to do most of the thinking. Finally, I find that having the students think out loud, you can catch if the student is having a particular problem with something. All great methods to help the client in their learning process.
Finally, Omar utilizes different tools to have the client focus on the material. He has the student read what they have wrote in order to have the student realize mistakes. By asking the student to justify why certain things are in the paper, he really makes the client think if that particular piece of information is relevant. Based on this, he uses examples of how to change that writing to make it more clear. This method allows the client to physically see different ways to correct mistakes so that future questions can be referenced back to that example. This encourages the client to take control of their paper by using tools that have already been worked on.
Collectively, I’d have to say that these tutors did a great job getting the client active. By probing the student with questions, having the client do most of the thinking, and fostering academic growth, we can hopefully see an improvement in their performance.
