Soumaia

As a GCSE Business Tutor, I believe a well-structured classroom environment is key. Good behaviour for learning through the use of routines and setting high expectations is one of the foundations for success. Rosenshine’s Principles of Instruction have also shaped how I think about effective teaching, particularly the emphasis on presenting new material in small steps, checking for understanding through questioning, and providing guided practice. These principles reflect what I aim to do in the classroom: build knowledge gradually while ensuring every student keeps up.

To support student learning effectively, I plan my lessons by breaking down the specifications into clear learning objectives, then design lessons that build understanding step by step. For example, when teaching break-even analysis, I set objectives such as identifying cost types, applying the break-even formula, and interpreting break-even charts to support decision-making. I introduce key terms like fixed costs, variable costs, and revenue using simple, relatable examples such as running a small bakery or visualising a small event in school where they have to sell a product to other students and aim to break-even.

Once students understand the basics, I guide them through calculations and help them visualise how changes affect profitability through break-even graphs. To assess progress, I use a range of strategies throughout the lesson. I begin with targeted questioning to check their understanding of key terms and challenge students to explain the reasoning behind their answers, helping to identify any misconceptions early on.

To reinforce their knowledge, I also include quick tasks such as short calculations or matching key terms to definitions to reinforce knowledge without any pressure. As the lesson develops, I set short written activities and exam-style questions that allow students to apply their understanding in a structured format, preparing them for the types of responses expected in their main exams.