"Scoring As takes strong motivation and the right learning skills, not just tons of practice"

I have been teaching O-Level math and science for a year now. I have found this job way more challenging than I predicted but also much more interesting and rewarding than I expected. I mean, helping high school students achieve high academic goals that could serve the foundation of their future dreams is a huge responsibility. More importantly, having been thinking about what would make myself a better learner throughout my own education, I deeply understand that in the pursuit of better learning outcomes, we must focus on developing smarter learning skills (e.g., understanding the "why" of 1 phenomenon can save you from cramming 10 unprocessed facts into your memory) and "psychological capabilities" to create motivation, deal with distractions, stress and setbacks. My goal is to help my students develop these skills besides the teaching of the learning materials. My lessons are usually very organised, providing reviews of basic theories on each topic in the syllabus and then testing students' understanding and question solving ability. I observe and value students' better learning abilities as much as better learning outcomes. I stimulate students to find connections between ideas, challenge students to find alternative ways to solve a question. I draw vivid everyday examples to explain hard concepts students cannot understand themselves. I encourage my students to communicate their doubts, stress, interests, things they want to change, etc., relating to their study directly to me so that we can discuss reasonable ways to clear barriers/recognise potentials in their learning journey. My approach has been recognised by all my students and I have established joyful and trusting relationships with them.