Elizabeth
Certified Tutor
Undergraduate Degree: Western Carolina University - Bachelors, BSeD Elementary Education K-6
reading, writing, Pokemon and video games
1st Grade
2nd Grade
3rd Grade
4th Grade
5th Grade
6th Grade
7th Grade
8th Grade
9th Grade
College English
Elementary Algebra
Elementary School
Elementary School Math
High School
High School English
Homework Support
Other
Summer
What is your teaching philosophy?
My teaching philosophy revolves around creating a safe environment for taking risks and making mistakes. I model owning up to blunders and always remind students that we are humans, who are capable of making missteps and learning from them. Many times, I state that I agree or disagree with an answer because, as I tell my students, there is always the chance I could be wrong.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
Interact, intrigue, and inspire a love of learning.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
In the end, I hope to instill an intrinsic desire to learn, but to that end I also use praise, completion charts (usually with stickers), a treasure box, and technology to help a student stay motivated.
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, the first thing I do is see if I can tackle it from a different angle. I'm always looking for different ways to explain a concept. I like to take "brain breaks" if maybe the student is frustrated, so that we can get back into learning with the blood flowing to the brain! I like to use visuals and metaphors (metaphors have been especially helpful lately with integers).
What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?
"Test" has become a four-letter word. I do believe that assessments have their place. In tutoring, most of my assessments are of the informal variety. How many problems did we work on today, and how many of them did the student get right? It isn't a classic test, but it still gives me an idea of the level of proficiency the student is showing.
How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?
Every student has conquered some skills. I like to sprinkle in those conquered skills with the problems/questions that are more challenging to bolster confidence.
What types of materials do you typically use during a tutoring session?
I like to use a mini dry erase board and marker in lieu of paper most of the time, as I feel it doesn't waste paper and is easier to erase (not to mention most students think it's fun). I have a notebook for every tutored student; I take daily notes about challenges, wins, questions, and goals. I also always bring my computer with me in order to use apps/websites, research concepts, and keep many of my notes digitally.