This was my second venture into the classroom as a tutor. The make up of the class was very similar to the previous class I taught, they were equally as keen to get involved and asked questions throughout. It was good to see various ones utilise a finger-spelling work sheet that I handed out - a suggestion I had taken on board from the mini teach session. To see various ones finish an activity and rather than just sit about or chat, try to work out how to spell their own names made me very happy - it was great for me to see the benefits of "differentiation"... On a small scale.
It hadn't started too well, as I had arrived and found myself thrown in the deep end, I was all alone with a group I didn't know, who didn't know me either! Instantly my mind raced from " Right, let's get this information over well...at least I have the tutor over in the corner..." to a combination of " Right, let's get this information over well, but what if an issue arises? What if I have to apply some form of discipline? What if I misjudge a students response because I don't know them or their needs?..."
I don't think there is a DEFCON rating suitably high enough to sufficiently represent the fear and trepidation I was experiencing.
They were great though, and on reflection I would have to meet a class on my own eventually. It also reminded me that being a tutor is more than turning up and giving what information you have... Rather it's a combination of that and monitoring the class that is packed full on individuals that from day to day will be having good days and bad.
My area to improve on
The make-up of the class meant that certain individuals often dominated the discussion, shouting out opinions freely. I'm happy that there were those that were so keen to share, still I was mindful that the more shy and retiring ones struggled to get a word in edgeways. I am old fashioned, so I was used to individuals putting up hands and then being invited to comment, this gives the tutor the added control on proceedings that allow others to join in. Perhaps this isn't how it's done now... If so, I need to find another way of making the discussions more inclusive.
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