Transforming Struggles into Triumphs
A Case Study in Private Tuition Success 2022/2023
Overcoming Obstacles: Embracing Mathematical Mastery
I couldn’t be prouder of the remarkable progress made by one of my students during his mathematics journey. When we began our tutoring sessions, John was already studying at VSA and was placed in Group 3, which consisted of students in the lower set for mathematics. In this class, the majority of students were receiving grades of 3 or 4, with 4 being considered a pass in MYP mathematics, while 7 represents the highest achievement.
Building a Strong Foundation:
Tackling Algebra and Instilling Confidence
Initially, John approached our first lesson with reluctance, as he had been urged by his parents to join my private academy tuition. His past grades, often landing in the 2 or 3 range, had left him feeling discouraged. Many students face similar challenges with algebra, which made concepts like indices, surds, linear, and quadratic equations difficult for John. Furthermore, his work presentation lacked coherence, leading to errors and a lack of logical structure. To address these challenges, we focused on building a strong algebra foundation. Step by step, we went through calculations, ensuring he understood and followed each process. I designed tailored worksheets to strengthen his fundamentals gradually. The initial months were dedicated to working on his algebra skills and instilling confidence. Finally, the day of the first summative assessment arrived, and he achieved his first pass grade of 4!
Navigating Complexity: Embracing the Joy of Mathematics
From that day forward, we continued strengthening his foundation, and something wonderful happened—he began to enjoy maths! Homework assignments and WhatsApp support became part of the routine. At the end of the MYP programme, he achieved an impressive final score of 5, a testament to his hard work and determination. This outstanding achievement opened the door for him to be accepted into the more challenging Advanced Additional Studies Level (AASL) class, despite previous doubts from the school.
A Transformative Journey: Unlocking Potential
During our second year of tuition, which marked the beginning of the IB Diploma Programme, we embarked on an exciting new journey. Over the summer, we were able to push ahead and delve into topics beyond the regular curriculum. We started learning Calculus, specifically differentiation, which is often considered one of the most challenging concepts for many students.
To tackle this subject, we tailored our questions and calculations, focusing on his understanding and application of differentiation. I provided him with a range of exercises and problem-solving scenarios to enhance his skills. And to our delight, John found calculus to be surprisingly easy. With a solid foundation in algebra and his improved work presentation, John was able to grasp the concepts and apply them confidently.
This newfound confidence in calculus has been instrumental in his journey. The ability to comprehend and work through differentiation problems has opened doors to further mathematical exploration. It showcases his determination and willingness to conquer difficult topics. Together, we continue to explore the fascinating world of calculus, preparing him for the challenges that lie ahead in the IB Diploma Programme.
This journey serves as a testament to his hard work, perseverance, and the power of tailored support. It demonstrates that with the right guidance and a positive mindset, any challenge can be overcome. Congratulations to this remarkable student on his achievements so far, and may his journey in mathematics continue to shine brightly.
