Moving from "I'm not sure" to "Wow, I understand!"

How does one build lifelong confidence? Amanda, a teacher-assistant™ tutor, shares an insightful approach to nurturing self-assurance in students initially grappling with uncertainties about their abilities.

Life often surprises us with those "wow!" moments—be it the instant you turned a house broom into a "Harry Potter" Firebolt or conquered that daunting minute-long plank exercise. These moments seldom arrive out of the blue; the real satisfaction stems from witnessing the outcomes of patience and consistent effort. For teacher-assistant tutors, our wow moments revolve around the incredible students who log in every day.

Empowering Students with the teacher-assistant method

Our mantra at teacher-assistant is to connect with students wherever they are. We recognize the individuality in each child's approach to learning. Some students require more time to grasp concepts, while others benefit from visual aids or real-life examples. Encouragement might be a constant need for some, whereas occasional reassurance is enough for others.

While providing direct answers might seem the easiest route, it doesn't foster a genuine learning experience. We prefer guiding students hand in hand, navigating through challenging learning moments, believing in the profound impact of self-discovery.

The Journey from 'I Don’t Know' to Embracing the teacher-assistant method

For a student struggling with understanding a formula or concept taught in class, homework often feels bewildering and frustrating.

As tutors, we frequently encounter students after long, exhausting school days, expressing complete bewilderment about certain concepts. In such instances, we apply the teacher-assistant methodology:

Firstly, we meticulously assess the student's existing knowledge base and the information they already possess. This helps us step into their shoes, guiding them in familiar ways. We patiently engage students by asking inquiry-based questions related to the problem, aiding them in dissecting the issue on their own. Occasionally, hints are provided when they hit roadblocks. This process may involve offering simpler examples or stimulating their curiosity through whiteboard illustrations. While this method might seem time-consuming, tutors actively offer ongoing support and encouragement, ensuring that students feel understood and motivated throughout this learning journey.

Attaining the 'Wow' Moment

The true revelation comes toward the conclusion of our sessions when students realize their efforts haven’t been futile. They become thrilled about their newfound understanding of concepts, often discovering they knew how to solve the problem all along. Witnessing their transformation into confident learners brings us immense joy!