Andrew
Certified Tutor
Undergraduate Degree: University of Michigan-Ann Arbor - Bachelor in Arts, Political Science, Linguistics
Graduate Degree: University of Iowa - Juris Doctor, Law
sports, politics, reading, crossword puzzles, and dogs
AP Comparative Government and Politics
AP US History
College Geography
College Level American History
High School Geography
High School Level American History
What is your teaching philosophy?
I don't believe in a one-size-fits-all philosophy for students. I think each student needs a specialized plan, depending on their ability, motivation, and preferred method of learning. I try to develop such a plan for each student I teach.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
I would try to understand how they feel about the material already, what is expected of them, what their goals are, and then we'd talk about how they best learn. I would talk about a long-term goal as well as goals for each particular session.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
By encouraging the student to come to each session prepared with questions ready to go. I want students to do most of the work on their own and come to the sessions eager to close any gaps in their learning.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
By challenging them just when they think that they have learned it. Not being complacent. Knowing you don't know everything. That's the key to motivation.
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
Start simple, very simple, and build up from there. The key to difficult material is to build up a solid base of knowledge with the simpler material first. Try to use examples and get the student to come to the answer on their own without giving it away.
How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?
I would have the student be honest with themselves about what they don't understand. Is it the concept? Is it the language? Are they just not interested in it? Once you figure out the issue, solving it becomes simpler. It narrows your focus as a teacher.
What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?
Developing rapport and trust. There is nothing worse than needing to rely on someone you don't like or trust. You build that relationship by understanding the needs of the student and showing you are eager to help them.
How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?
By showing them why it should matter to them. By having energy and enthusiasm yourself.
What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?
Asking questions that link concepts that the student should know. Take it to the next level. It's one thing to memorize facts and information. It's another to put that data together into a cohesive set of knowledge.
How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?
By giving positive feedback when the student shows progress.
What types of materials do you typically use during a tutoring session?
The textbook or study materials provided by the instructor, review guides, and study questions.
How do you adapt your tutoring to the student's needs?
By deciding what my focus should be and sticking to it. For instance, if a student learns better by talking it out, I'd do that. If a student learns better by visual demonstration, I'd do that.
How do you evaluate a student's needs?
By talking to them about how they best learn and what their current ability level is.