Tracy
Certified Tutor
Undergraduate Degree: University of Southern California - Bachelors, Occupational Therapy
reading, hiking, biking, cooking, baking
College English
High School English
Homework Support
Other
Study Skills
Study Skills and Organization
What is your teaching philosophy?
My teaching philosophy is "whatever works." Each student has different learning styles, needs and motivation for learning. I like to design lesson plans based on what works best for individual students. I choose activities and tasks that will engage the student and promote building their confidence.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
The first session with a student would be a "get to know each other" session. I want to know who I am teaching, what their educational level/experience is, what the learning goals are, what the student wants/expects from me, their role in the family, etc. I want the student to know who I am, what I can do for them, how I can enhance their learning, etc. I would also do an informal assessment of the specific subject area/English language skills of the student. With the student/family, I would formulate a learning plan.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
I can provide the student with organizational and study skills to improve confidence and decrease anxiety.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
In order to stay motivated, learning/educational goals need to be attainable. I would set up activities that promote learning and improve success. I would assess the effectiveness of the lesson plans and adapt activities to make sure the student remains engaged. The student would be a partner in the tutoring process.
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
I would need to figure out the root of the problem and break down the concept or skill into its basic levels. I would use whatever methods or modalities the students responds to in order to break through whatever the difficulty is.