Lindsay
Certified Tutor
Undergraduate Degree: The University of Texas at Austin - Bachelors, Honors Biology, Spanish Literature
Graduate Degree: University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center - Doctor of Medicine, MD Candidate
Reading, Writing, Running, Swimming, Travel, Spanish and European History, Sci Fi Movies
10th Grade Reading
10th Grade Writing
11th Grade Reading
11th Grade Writing
12th Grade Reading
12th Grade Writing
6th Grade Reading
6th Grade Science
6th Grade Writing
7th Grade Reading
7th Grade Science
7th Grade Writing
8th Grade Reading
8th Grade Science
8th Grade Writing
9th Grade Reading
9th Grade Writing
Adult Literacy
Anatomy & Physiology
AP English Language and Composition
AP English Literature and Composition
AP Spanish Literature and Culture
British Literature
Cell Biology
College Biology
College English
Comparative Literature
Conversational Spanish
Elementary School Reading
Elementary School Science
Elementary School Writing
General Biology
High School Biology
High School Chemistry
High School English
High School Writing
Life Sciences
MCAT Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems
Middle School Reading
Middle School Science
Middle School Writing
Neurobiology
Neuroscience
Persuasive Writing
Spanish 1
What is your teaching philosophy?
I believe in letting the student learn for his or herself. This results in frequently using "check back" as a means of making sure the student truly understands in a way that makes sense to them.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
First, I like to just get to know the student. We talk about hobbies, interests, and their likes and dislikes. Then I will ask the student what they believe they need the most help with and why, and then we can go from there. I like to use the first session to lay the foundation, and then build on specific details from there.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
Independent learning depends on two things: 1) Teaching the student how to slow down and truly learn, and not just memorize. 2) Teaching the student a sense of worth ethic and responsibility towards their learning.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
Staying motivated can be difficult, especially in subjects students have a hard time with, or in which they are not interested. I believe motivation comes from finding a new, original way to look at the material (such as in literature), or finding a way to make the material relevant to the student (such as with writing and biology). I am a creative person and enjoy coming up with creative new ways to approach a subject, ideally boosting the student's interest.
How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?
First, I identify the main struggle. Improving vocabulary is very different from improving grammar. Then, I try to find something interesting for the student, as often, we are more willing to work for things we enjoy, rather than for things we find dull or uninspiring.
How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?
It's all about finding a way to make the subject apply to the student. In literature, this can mean finding novel interpretations of a story. In writing, it can be writing about things for which the student is passionate. In the sciences, it is important to remind the student how what they are learning applies to their everyday life. I also usually try to find ways to incorporate songs, games, and other creative activities in order to keep the student interested.
What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?
My favorite technique when a student is asked: "Do you understand," and they reply affirmatively, is to have them explain the concept in their own words. Often this helps me catch students who were not paying attention or who were just acting like they understood. This way, we can go back and approach the material in a new way, since clearly the first method was not successful.
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
Take time. Students tend to get bogged down when they try to rush their learning because they feel like they should know the material. However, it's important to be patient and approach the topic from different views to find the best method for the student's learning.
What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?
First I ask the student to identify their major weaknesses. I then like to ask why they think they are struggling. Usually it has nothing to do with the material itself, but the way it is being taught or explained. I can then identify the student’s best way to learn and can adjust the topic to their needs.
How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?
Practice practice practice! After I explain a concept, I always have the student do sample questions. Then after the questions, or later in the lesson, I will ask the student to explain the concept to me, in order to make sure they truly understand. Students tend to become very confident once they can teach me the material, and make connections to other topics.