Maria
Certified Tutor
Undergraduate Degree: Columbia University in the City of New York - Bachelors, Theatre and Dramatic Arts
ACT Math: 33
Performing, writing, drawing, soccer, reading, swimming, and dancing
College English
College Level American History
Conversational Spanish
High School English
High School Level American History
Other
SAT Subject Test in Spanish with Listening
SAT Subject Tests Prep
Spanish 1
Summer
What is your teaching philosophy?
To create a personalized plan of action that leads to success. In order to do that, I talk to the student, look at their work, and decide together their strength and weaknesses. Then, it's to figure out the best way they learn and help them use those tools of understanding. I believe that students have different ways of approaching things, and it is important to listen and use that to their advantage.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
I would get to know the student and see how they feel about school and the subject or test we're looking at working on. I would want to gauge how they personally feel about where they are at. Also, in that time, I want figure out goals and expectations. After that, I would work with them on some questions on the subject and dive into the material. Using study tools and observations, I would get to know how the student works. It is important to build trust as well.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
By giving them different tools and helping them get into the habit of using those tools and strategies to become an independent learner.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
Make sure I am encouraging and prepared -- it is important to show I am motivated and excited to help and work with the student. Also, by figuring out the best ways the student learns, I can come up with useful plans that will hopefully click with the student and help keep them motivated.
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
Create a game or a new way of expressing the concept or skill, compare it to a different concept that is similar, or practice it a lot, depending on the student.