My approach is simple, yet effective, and it goes in four stages:
1. Fundamental concepts must be introduced, taught and practised before students progress any further. This is they key to achieving A* grades.
2. Advanced Questions are then introduced. Students must use their knowledge on what they have already learnt and apply it to a problem they haven't seen before. Why is this important? This is essential for students to develop creative minds, problem solving is the tool for successful individuals. Students should be comfortable to the idea of being "surprised" in reference to problem solving. We are training students to develop these minds, so they can apply it to real life problems/ situations that most would not deem a straight forward task.
3. Repetition must be practised until it becomes a habit. Why? Just because a student has understood a topic or how to answer a question, doesn't mean they have understood the correct steps required to reach the answer. This is where repetition is essential, as after a few repeats the student begins to understand importance to each step and why it is ordered in such a way to get to the answer. This creates confidence, and confidence creates inquisitive minds, which encourages students to search, find and attempt to solve problems independently.
4. Exam preparation, which is a step I personally introduce to all my students at a very early stage. I want them to appreciate, and look forward to exams. Unfortunately students are introduced so late to exam preparations, that they immediately score low on their first attempt, and from there on they always dread / fear sitting another exam or mock paper. This feeling of fear encourages students to lose interest in this particular subject, they stop practising what they've learnt and they ultimately score low or fail in their exams. I help all develop a confidence in an exam environment, understanding exam formats and language so by the time it comes to the real thing, absolutely nothing should phase / surprise them. It's a beautiful feeling when you walk out of an exam, knowing everything in that paper is something you've practised many of times.
I promise everyone, applying these steps guarantees A* performances and this will see you through life if you apply this to all things in life.
My only ask from my students is that they be patient and listen to me at all times. If they do, everything they want in their grades will come true.