Armen
Certified Tutor
Undergraduate Degree: Lewis & Clark College - Bachelor in Arts, Mathematics
Geophysical Sciences, TV Shows, Video Games, Ultimate Frisbee, Sports
1st Grade Math
Algebra 3/4
Elementary School Math
IB Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches
Probability
How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?
I build a student's confidence in a subject in a particular manner. I first start by evaluating how well a student grasps a concept, and then we start with some simple exercises about the concept in a "language" that the student can understand. If the student understands the concept at a basic level, then I will give more challenging problems for them to do. If the student still doesn't understand the concept, then I will try a different approach. Once the student gains confidence, I will give them more problems, but I will use more technical language.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
The thing I typically do in the first session with a student is introduce myself, discuss the student's math experience, evaluate their mathematical ability/needs while aiding them with homework or explanations of previous tests, and, at the end, give practice questions relating to the concepts that they are currently working on.
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
If a student is having a difficult time learning a skill or concept, I typically try to teach it slowly and from multiple angles. I teach the concept slowly because, originally, the material was taught too fast and the student didn't connect with the material. Also, not every student learns the same way, so I teach a concept in different ways in order to give the student a more likely chance to understand the concept.
How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?
If a student is struggling with reading comprehension, I try to associate technical words with vocabulary that the student is comfortable with, and also look over the definitions of the technical words.
What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?
One of the most successful strategies that I use when working with a student is letting the student work through the problems entirely, and then giving constructive feedback at the end. By having students work through an entire problem without my help until after they're finished, I can find out if they understand a concept or not. If the student doesn't understand a concept, I will ask the student to explain to me what doesn't make sense, and then explain it in a way that makes sense to them.
What is your teaching philosophy?
My teaching philosophy is building confidence through repetition and going through concepts slowly. I teach concepts slowly because not every student learns at a fast pace, and this will ensure that the student grasps the concepts. I then give practice problems in increasing difficulty, which will help reinforce the concepts and increase confidence in the student. If the student fully understands the concepts and has confidence in their problem solving skills, the student can achieve their goals.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
I would help a student stay motivated by showing them their progress in the material, showing that I believe in them, and showing them their accomplishments .
How do you evaluate a student's needs?
I evaluate a student's needs through repetition of practice problems with different levels of difficulty. This helps me determine if a student understands the basic concept and/or the full details of the concept.
What types of materials do you typically use during a tutoring session?
The types of materials I use during a tutoring session are usually my own math notes, a graphing calculator, and if appropriate, good Internet sources.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
I can help a student become an independent learner by getting them excited about the subject they want to learn. I can give them guidance and refer the student to great resources to enhance their learning and build confidence.