Syeda Khatun

My lessons vary between skills workshops (writing, reading, analysing, interpreting) and content learning crash courses (tailored to student's problem spots). I alternate between the two depending on what the student requires. During term time, outside of mock exam/real exam periods, the focus is mainly on content, reiteration and deeper analysis. This is where the student develops opinions and arguments about their learning at school or college. During exam periods, the focus is on skills, where students will bring in an essay to discuss and develop in real time, receiving feedback and correction time. To me this is where the magic happens - students are able to discuss their weak points and find faults in their writing that can be polished before the exam. I also provide grading when necessary, comparing to the relevant exam board. During content crash course lessons, I usually provide PPTs and revision sheets, using an interactive whiteboard to map ideas, concepts and facts that turns into revision notes that students can use later on. What matters is documenting and organising what is learned in the lesson for future, when exam periods come up. Students are encouraged to keep folders, either digital or analogue, that they can refer to week by week. The idea is to create synoptic thinking between different topics that can bolster original argumentation in their essays and exams. This really is what pushes the grades from Bs to A*s. I start the challenge level based on the student's receptivity and responses in the introductory session, where I can garner not just what they know, but how they think critically. This is crucial for how lessons will be planned out across the academic year, or months leading to the exam.