My approach to education can be summarized by the phrase "work WITH your brain, not against it." Everyone learns and processes information in their own way. I help students find the ways their brain naturally processes and interacts with information through metacognition. We can then use those strengths to develop study skills, problem-solving skills, and a life-long learning mindset. 

Allegory of a River

Imagine a river representing the process of learning. One side has the learner and the other has the educator. In many classrooms, an educator (usually a teacher) outlines the path they have taken to get from where they think the learner is now, to where the educator stands having learned this concept already. In this case, the educator never leaves their side of the river and the learner is expected to replicate the path described to them (for example specific stepping stones). This only works for a small portion of learners; those that can both see and follow the described steps. 

Some learners will find their way or be able to follow the educator's path, but many will not. They may have shorter legs and not be able to move from stone to stone as the educator did. Maybe the sun's glare obscures their view or they are visually impaired and cannot see the steps. Perhaps they cannot swim and fear keeps them where they stand. There are any number of reasons the student may not make it across with only example and goal orientation, most of which do not involve disability or an inability to understand. The learner may need to move up or down the bank to find a better place to cross. Or perhaps they need to wait for the water level to go down or the rain to stop before they can attempt a crossing. Maybe they will build a bridge or raft instead.

As an educator, the most effective way to help a student cross the river is to re-cross the river yourself to meet them where they are, let them know you are with them the whole way, and help them find the path that fits the learner best. Give them options that have worked for others but also help them problem-solve and brainstorm new options that work for that particular learner's needs. Together you can find a million ways to cross the same river and reach the bank of understanding. Any method to cross the river is equally valid to reach the goal of understanding.