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A Level Biology is often considered one of the most challenging subjects, frequently ranking among the top five hardest A Levels. It’s no surprise, then, that many students seek out exceptional tutors to help guide them to success! In this article, I’ll share my top tips for tutoring A Level Biology as an online tutor.
1. Make connections: Bridge content to the bigger picture
Biology is all about connections: biological molecules are used in molecular processes, which, in turn, shape evolution and ecosystems. This is why it’s crucial to highlight the relationships within and across topics, as well as their overall importance in the maintenance of life. For example, when discussing photosynthesis, it’s helpful to ask students to identify how the reactants and products of each stage contribute to the overall equation. This will allow them to gain a deeper understanding of the process.
Encourage students to draw parallels across the specification. After they learn a new topic, ask them to identify any familiar ideas, molecules, or processes from the content they already know. By making connections between different topics, students will develop a broader overview of the content. This will be particularly useful for those tackling the AQA Paper 3 synoptic essay question!
Helping your students build a mind map of related ideas and topics over the course of multiple lessons is also a great way to practise making these links! As students learn new concepts, they can add key terms and content to their mind map, creating a visual guide to the specification. This helps students engage more fully with the content and provides a helpful revision resource for their exams.
2. Present information in multiple formats
Using a combination of teaching formats alongside verbal explanations – such as animations, diagrams, and simulations – allows students to better engage with concepts that may otherwise prove challenging to comprehend. This is especially true for molecular-scale processes like enzymatic reactions and gene expression.
When explaining more complex cellular processes, I often start by outlining the main points on a whiteboard. Then, I ask my students to use a diagram to help them explain the key concepts. If further clarification is needed, I can show a video of the process without sound or subtitles. Pausing the video at crucial points allows me to ask students to explain what they recognise and comprehend. This encourages them to rely more on their own understanding and notes instead of just passively listening to the video.
Simulations are another fantastic tool to help students engage with the material. Websites like PhET Simulations provide interactive activities that showcase concepts like neural transmission, the Lac Operon and molecule polarity in new and interesting ways. Students can alter variables to see how they affect the processes, providing excellent opportunities to explore the content both during lessons and in their own study time.
3. Practice exam technique
Even after they grasp the content, applying it to exam questions can pose challenges for students. Familiarising students with the structure of their specification’s papers can help them feel more confident on exam day. After covering new content, it’s always a good idea to introduce students to exam questions at increasing levels of difficulty to get them acquainted with the different ways in which questions can be asked.
Giving students the chance to work through questions independently (or with support where required) and providing constructive feedback helps them build their confidence and understanding of exam-style questions. Additionally, asking students to talk through their train of thought while answering questions can help you to understand their thought processes and identify what they’re already doing well and what could be improved.
Analysing past paper mark schemes is also a great way to help students understand the criteria examiners use for awarding marks. Walking through the key points, level of detail, and assessment objectives for each question can help students identify areas where their exam technique could be refined.
4. Show enthusiasm!
While the tips and tricks mentioned thus far are great ways to keep students engaged, nothing beats the inspiration that comes from having a tutor who is clearly excited about the subject they teach. It can take a lot of courage for students to answer questions about topics they aren’t familiar with, so it’s important that their effort is matched with enthusiastic encouragement and energy in each of their lessons. Not only will this help keep students invested, but it also fosters a genuine interest in the subject, even empowering them to pursue further study and careers.
Overall, effective tutoring isn’t just about knowing the information and being able to share it with others. It’s about being enthusiastic, helping students relate the content to the bigger picture, adapting your teaching style to your students, and making exam technique regular practice, rather than just something to do as exams approach. If you keep these in mind as you plan your lessons, you’ll be a top-notch A Level Biology tutor in no time!
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