David Makinde

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What My Lessons Are Like

My lessons are structured, supportive, and carefully designed to help students develop genuine understanding rather than rely on memorisation or surface-level learning. I believe that true progress comes from clarity, confidence, and consistent guidance, so my teaching approach focuses on breaking complex ideas down into manageable steps and supporting students throughout the learning process.

Each lesson follows a clear and predictable format. At the beginning of a session, I take time to understand the student’s current level of knowledge, learning goals, and any specific challenges they may be facing. This initial discussion helps establish a strong foundation and ensures that the lesson is tailored to the student’s needs rather than following a one-size-fits-all approach. By identifying strengths as well as weaknesses early on, I can adjust the pace, depth, and style of explanation to maximise understanding.

Once the learning objectives are clear, we move into the main content of the lesson. Concepts are introduced gradually and explained in plain, accessible language. I avoid unnecessary jargon and focus instead on explaining not only how something works, but why it works. This emphasis on reasoning and understanding helps students retain information more effectively and apply it confidently in different contexts. Whenever possible, I connect new ideas to things the student already knows, making learning feel more intuitive and less overwhelming.

A key feature of my lessons is the use of practical, step-by-step examples. Rather than presenting information all at once, I guide students through examples in a structured and logical sequence. We work through problems together, discussing each step and exploring alternative approaches when helpful. This “walk-through” method allows students to see the full thought process behind a solution, not just the final answer. If a student struggles at any point, we pause, revisit the concept, and approach it from a different angle until it becomes clear.

Lessons are highly interactive, and students are encouraged to ask questions at any time. I create a calm and supportive learning environment where questions are welcomed and mistakes are treated as a natural part of learning. If something doesn’t make sense on the first explanation, I reframe it using a different example, analogy, or explanation style. My goal is to ensure that students feel comfortable expressing confusion and confident that they will receive patient, constructive support.

I use a constructive teaching approach that focuses on addressing weaknesses in a positive and practical way. Rather than highlighting what a student cannot do, I focus on identifying gaps in understanding and showing clear paths for improvement. When mistakes occur, we analyse them together to understand what went wrong and how to correct it in the future. This approach helps students develop problem-solving skills and resilience, rather than fear of making errors.

Pacing is another important aspect of my lessons. I understand that every student learns at a different speed, so I adjust the pace to suit individual needs. Some topics may require more time and repetition, while others can be covered more quickly. I regularly check for understanding throughout the lesson, asking questions and encouraging students to explain concepts in their own words. This ensures that learning is active rather than passive and allows me to address misunderstandings immediately.

I also place strong emphasis on building confidence. Many students struggle not because they lack ability, but because they lack confidence in their own understanding. By guiding students carefully through examples and reinforcing progress along the way, I help them develop a sense of competence and self-belief. Over time, students become more comfortable tackling problems independently and trusting their own reasoning.

Where appropriate, I incorporate real-world examples and practical applications into my teaching. This helps students see how what they are learning connects to real situations, making the material more engaging and relevant. Whether the subject is technical, academic, or skills-based, I aim to bridge the gap between theory and practice so that learning feels meaningful rather than abstract.

At the end of each lesson, I provide a clear summary of what we have covered. This recap reinforces key points and helps students organise their understanding. I also outline what the next steps will be, so students know exactly what to expect moving forward. When suitable, I offer optional practice tasks or exercises that students can complete independently between sessions. These are designed to reinforce learning without being overwhelming and can be reviewed together in future lessons.

My teaching style is calm, patient, and focused. I understand that learning can sometimes feel challenging or frustrating, especially when students have struggled with a subject in the past. I aim to create a supportive atmosphere where students feel respected, listened to, and encouraged. Progress is measured steadily, with an emphasis on long-term understanding rather than quick fixes.

I bring practical experience and subject knowledge into my lessons, ensuring that explanations are grounded and relevant. I am organised and prepared, but also flexible, adapting lessons as needed based on student feedback and progress. My priority is always the student’s understanding and growth, rather than rigidly sticking to a preset plan.

Overall, my lessons are designed to be clear, structured, and student-centred. By combining a constructive approach, step-by-step guidance, interactive learning, and ongoing support, I help students build strong foundations and develop the confidence to apply their knowledge independently. In addition to the lessons themselves, I provide clear summaries, optional practice tasks, and practical guidance that students can use between sessions to reinforce understanding and support long-term improvement.