This student, an elementary school pupil, applied for a prestigious school.
Although already proficient in English, he often provided lengthy, unfocused answers that failed to showcase his strengths.
We conducted two lessons, one in-person and the other via Zoom.
The in-person lesson took place in my private classroom, while the Zoom session was designed to simulate the actual interview experience.
Through the online lesson, we practised essential virtual communication skills such as maintaining attentiveness, establishing eye contact, managing physical movement, and optimising camera positioning.
Throughout both lessons, we explored ways for the student to emphasise the skills he had acquired in his educational journey.
Additionally, we discussed his aspirations for future skill development and how he could demonstrate the specific qualities that the school seeks in its students.
Given our limited time together, the primary challenge was to prioritise high-impact lessons over minor refinements.
By concentrating on the most noticeable flaws in his responses and mannerisms, we maximized our time together and helped prepare the student for his upcoming interview.
With the student's unwavering determination, hard work, and proficiency in spoken language, coupled with the targeted areas of improvement we addressed together, it comes as no surprise that he was able to excel and secure a place in his school of choice.
