I am always amused when my students come to tutoring and when asked what is happening at school they reply”Nothing”. Further promoting often yields the second part of this answer, “Our exams are finished, there’s nothing else to do this term.”
After I smile, count to 10 and breath deeply … we begin our work.
It takes some selling to keep everyone motivated during the weeks following half year exams and preceding school holidays. As a tutor I know how important this time is for us to work on some areas that we can’t get to when the school curriculum is moving along so quickly. I always work to be as clear and honest with my students as possible and this is how I explain it to them too.
In addition, I use a goal focussed approach, together the student and I identify two areas they would like to master in these few weeks and we use tracking systems and regular tests/checks to keep focussed and maintain momentum.
What strategies do you employ in these tricky weeks?
