Anne Opalana

A student in my lessons is free to communicate and describe what areas of the material are challenging for them. I use their feedback to meet their needs and tailor lessons to their interests by giving relatable examples and fun games that make learning more engaging. My goal is to help them gain a basic understanding of the problem first, creating a strong foundation that we can then build upon with more complex concepts and problem-solving techniques.

For example, I usually start with scenarios of why the problem needs solving. The banker cannot complete his paperwork, the engineer needs to build a bridge, or the shop owner needs to calculate profits correctly. I then ask students why they think the solution is important and, to the best of their knowledge, how they would solve it. This allows me to understand what principles they already know and how I can use that knowledge to strengthen their foundation while also giving them tips to improve their understanding.

My lessons are interactive, patient, and adapted to each student’s pace. I focus on building confidence alongside academic ability, because once a student understands the “why” behind a concept, solving the problem becomes far less intimidating. I aim to create a comfortable learning environment where students feel encouraged to ask questions, think critically, and enjoy the learning process.