Noah
Certified Tutor
Undergraduate Degree: Smith College - Bachelors, Economics
SAT Composite (1600 scale): 1530
SAT Math: 800
SAT Verbal: 700
SAT Writing: 740
Partner dancing and science fiction.
10th Grade Math
11th Grade Math
1st Grade Math
2nd Grade Math
3rd Grade Math
4th Grade Math
5th Grade Math
6th Grade Math
7th Grade Math
8th Grade Math
9th Grade Math
Basic Computer Literacy
Business
College Chemistry
College Economics
CSS
Discrete Math
Elementary Algebra
Elementary School Math
High School Business
High School Chemistry
High School Economics
Honors Chemistry
HTML
Macroeconomics
Ruby
Technology and Coding
What is your teaching philosophy?
"Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn." -commonly attributed to Benjamin Franklin I firmly believe that each student is more than capable of mastering their subject material. Sometimes, there may be a mismatch between the student's learning style and the way their coursework is presented to them. It's my job as a tutor to bring out their strengths and their passions - to involve them fully - in order to bring out the best learner in them. That way, we can be sure the student has learned the material in a way that is meaningful to them and that they fully understand.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
During a typical first session with a student, I would take a few minutes to chat about their goals in their class and their specific goals for the tutoring session. I would work with the student to create a to-do list and an approximate schedule, and then dive into working with the subject material.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
I can help a student become an independent learner by teaching them to ask the right questions. "What is my homework question asking me?" "What concepts I learned in class apply to the problem I'm working on?" "How do the concepts and techniques I learned in class work?" Once a student becomes skilled at asking these questions, both in class and while doing homework, they're on the right track to fully understanding the material. It is my job as a tutor to teach the student the right questions to ask for the subject material -- to teach them to think like a mathematician, economist, chemist, etc.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
If a student is having trouble with motivation, I try to get to know what excites the student. There are a few motivational tactics I may try. Some students are more motivated when seemingly overwhelming assignments are broken into smaller tasks. Some respond to having their victories celebrated. Some feel more motivated when I relate the subject material to their interests. Some simply appreciate the knowledge that once they fully understand the material, they never have to learn it again!
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
I find that often, when a student has difficulty with a certain concept, they have not fully understood the material that the given concept builds upon. First, I would make sure that the student has an excellent grasp on more basic material. I would then walk the student through the logic of the concept they have difficulty with. I tell the story of how the concept works in simple terms, while asking the student to put the concept in their own words to ensure they fully understand.
What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?
I have found that demonstrating my enthusiasm for a student's success motivates the student, builds rapport between me and the student, and gets us off on the right foot. Additionally, communicating well about the student's goals for the class and setting up a to-do list ensures that the student and I are on the same page. This allows us to work effectively together.