Amr
Certified Tutor
Undergraduate Degree: California State University-Fullerton - Current Undergrad, History
History, Comics, and Video Games
Homework Support
Other
US History
World History
What is your teaching philosophy?
To help students understand the concepts being targeted, and to allow them to answer questions they struggled with on their own.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
I'd first introduce myself and ask them to do the same. I would ask them what they find most difficult in their homework, and try to understand how to best help them.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
I would try my best to get them to develop good habits that will serve them their whole lives; for example, reading and connecting certain vocabulary words with an image in their mind. Another habit that will become essential in college is the use of flashcards for formulas or concepts that they are struggling with.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
I would try and find the specific subject that excites them, and have them develop a learning goal regarding that subject.
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
I would try to approach the concept or skill from a different point of view. Some students require a picture or drawing to fully understand something. Others may need an example in their lives of this concept or skill.
How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?
I would find a topic they are excited about and find books that talk about it. This will inspire more voluntary reading on the part of the student. I have also found that flashcards with problem words on them can go a long way in solving a comprehension problem.
What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?
I find that each student tends toward a specific learning method. Some students love to see diagrams, while others find diagrams distracting and confusing. What I try to do is find what each student finds most helpful, and focus on using those strategies with them.
How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?
I would find a way to make it a challenge for the student. If they can reach a specific proficiency level, then they proved that they are stronger than the subject, and have won.
What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?
I would try my best to start every session with a couple of review questions from the last couple of sessions. This way the information can remain fresh on their minds.
How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?
The more practice, the more they will be able to excel at a subject. I would try to make certain educational goals that would continue to increase in difficulty as the student got better at a certain subject.
How do you evaluate a student's needs?
Each student will be different. I understand that if one method of teaching is not working, I might have to switch gears and try a different method based on the need of a specific student.
How do you adapt your tutoring to the student's needs?
I would find what works best and focus on that with each student.
What types of materials do you typically use during a tutoring session?
Typically, I would use flashcards, the books on the subject, and the vast resources within the Internet; things like worksheets, tests, and graphics that show examples.