A Tutor’s Approach to Multidisciplinary Learning
One of the toughest challenges tutors face is working with a student who shows little to no interest in the subject at hand. It can be especially disheartening when a student asks, “When am I ever going to use this in real life?” and you’re momentarily stumped for a response. However, adopting a multidisciplinary approach is a powerful way to tackle these situations. Not only can it engage even the most reluctant students, but it also enriches sessions for those eager to dive deeper than their classroom material allows.
The Key to Success: Rapport and Creativity
To successfully implement this approach, two essential skills come into play: building rapport and integrating creativity into the tutoring process. At AJ Tutoring, we believe the foundation of any productive session is strong rapport. From the moment a student walks in, it’s important to set a positive tone, showing enthusiasm for helping them succeed and curiosity about who they are and what they enjoy. A genuine interest in their well-being and their likes often helps dissolve any resistance or hesitation they bring to the table.
Next, creativity becomes a crucial tool. By tying a student’s personal interests or hobbies into the subject matter, we can make the material more relevant and engaging. Whether it’s crafting custom problems or creating mini-projects that incorporate the student’s passions, a creative approach helps foster a deeper connection to the subject.
Bringing the Multidisciplinary Approach to Life
Let’s say a student is passionate about baseball but can’t stand math or physics. By framing a problem around their love for the sport, you can ask something like, “What’s the minimum velocity needed to hit a home run?” Together, you can research the maximum distance from the batter’s box to the outfield, modeling a real-world application of physics. By showing interest in their favorite sport, you open the door to reciprocal engagement.
As the session progresses, you might also ask your student to calculate the optimal angle to hit the ball. This conversation about angles and trajectory pulls them into the math or physics concepts they initially resisted. By weaving their interests into the lesson, you not only demonstrate your own willingness to explore their world but also create a space where learning becomes exciting and personal.
Why AJ Tutoring Stands Out
At AJ Tutoring, our tutors are not only experts in their subjects but also skilled in building strong connections with students. We seamlessly incorporate a multidisciplinary approach into each one-on-one session, customizing our methods to align with each student’s unique interests and learning style. This combination of subject mastery and personalized engagement defines the AJ Tutoring experience—delivering a holistic, tailored approach that truly resonates with our students.
When you choose AJ Tutoring, you’re not just selecting a tutor; you’re choosing a partner dedicated to making learning relevant, engaging, and transformative.
