Tutoring Complex Subjects

The idea of a simple subject or a complex subject has its roots in the method of teaching employed by the teachers. Why are some subjects simple and some difficult? If someone asks a student what his/her favorite subject is he/she usually has an answer. It could be English or Geography or Mathematics or any other subject as part of the curriculum. But there are also subjects which students detest. The aim of a online tutor is to ensure that you develop interest in the subject where you have difficulty. Once you become interested in a subject that you feared or disliked the most the situation will turn around as you will start enjoying the challenges presented. It has been observed that a passionate teacher makes all the difference as there are cases where students who feared Maths pursued it as their career thanks to an inspiring teacher. There are different perspectives on teaching subjects perceived as complex. The behaviorist looks at the situation in which learning is expected to occur. The communication expert looks at the mode of language with its intonations used to teach a particular subject. A constructivist looks at the impact which students receive after a class or a lecture. Teachers find themselves ‘thinking on their feet’ predominantly as assumptions regarding paradigms can prove to be ineffective. If a teacher focuses more on the subject then there is a widespread assumption that teaching will prove to be impersonal. But this need not be the case. If a teacher is passionate and focused on the subject the students may also become curious and may try to inculcate the style of communication. Learning may happen this way as well. The indirect ways of learning can be effective as it involves understanding the situation in which teaching takes place, the style of communication adopted, the range of learning aids used and the impact that makes students either quizzical or blank. No teaching can happen without students but learning does not depend entirely on teachers in this prevalent age. Many students prefer to learn online as they can be themselves and not worry about instant interactions with teachers and peers that can be very distracting. Online tutoring is an option for such students. If a complex subject is taught by a patient tutor who presents challenges that excite students then a complex subject can be mastered with sufficient practice. When students develop interest in a difficult subject they practice more and therefore learning is likely to happen more effectively.