Chloe
Certified Tutor
Undergraduate Degree: University of California-Davis - Bachelors, Animal Science , History
reading, cooking, baking, crochet, and horseback riding
College Biology
Elementary School Math
High School Biology
Homework Support
ISEE Prep
Study Skills
Study Skills and Organization
Summer
What is your teaching philosophy?
I believe that everyone deserves to have an equal opportunity to learn. Sometimes, a traditional education system doesn't meet a person's needs, and that's ok! It is my job as a tutor to fill the gaps of the system and help students meet their full potential. I believe in helping a student find the answers on their own, so that they learn the skills needed to learn independently. As a tutor, the best thing I can hear is that a student feels confident enough in a subject to continue without help because that means they have learned the skill set needed to accomplish independent learning!
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
I like to ask a student to describe their class to me. Often, the answers they give me will tell me what kind of help they need and what teaching style ISN'T working for them. This will clue me in on what alternate methods to try. I also like to engage a student in rapid-fire questions about what they like, dislike, understand, and don't understand about a subject. Finally, I ask students to show me what it is that they have been really stuck on, so we can go over it and establish a firm foundation before moving on to harder material.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
When a student tells me they are stuck, I never give them an answer. Instead, I ask them to describe their thought process up until they became stuck. Sometimes, that is enough for them to become unstuck! When they need more, I encourage them to look back in their textbook and try to find an example similar to what they are struggling with. I encourage students to read their textbook instead of relying on their notes from class. The ability to read for information is very important for future independent learning! I also like to direct students to online resources, videos, and forums so they can feel confident that they can find help, even when I am not there.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
Sometimes, the best motivator is a quick break. When I see a student's energy flagging, I like to take a quick water/stretch/bathroom break, and then come back with a fresh perspective. I also like to be a cheerleader and keep up the constant positive affirmations to remind students they CAN do it, even if they think they can't!
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
If a student has trouble learning a subject, I like to research different methods of teaching that have worked for other people with the same problem. I also like to use humor, mnemonics, or even silly dance moves to make the material approachable and memorable.
How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?
Students that struggle with comprehension can be aided with a few simple tools. Margin summaries, slow reading with constant discussion, and theme identification are all very slow reading methods, but as a student practices and gains confidence, reading speed and comprehension will increase!