Natalie
Certified Tutor
Undergraduate Degree: College of DuPage - Associates, Industrial Engineering
Running, cooking/baking, listening to music
Algebra 3/4
Electromagnetism
General Chemistry
High School Chemistry
Homework Support
Other
Persuasive Writing
Quantum Mechanics
Special & General Relativity
Statics
Summer
US History
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
I believe students can become independent learners by knowing their relationship with academics. Actions such as starting an assignment immediately when given, setting time to complete homework, and organizing their notes all lead to an independent learner. I am willing to help students learn how to prioritize their academic life.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
Since education wasn't meant to be easy, students should reward themselves in a benevolent way when students earn good grades. I will encourage students to have their own reward system based on what suits them best.
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
I'd ask to see the student's notes if the teacher has lectured on that skill or concept, and see how well the student was paying attention. I understand that sometimes students will not have a complete set of notes due to their struggle. I'd also request to see the student's textbook to see how well the textbook discusses the skill or concept. I will carefully re-explain the student's notes and the content of the book, in addition to explaining the skill or concept in my own words and using several examples.
How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?
There are several different techniques. I'd like try and see if a student likes to use one or many. One of the techniques is re-reading the sentence or sentences the student struggles with. Re-reading these sentences aloud can also help so that the student can hear the words being said. If the student still continues to struggle, I will ask what words the student is unfamiliar with. I believe understanding all of the words is key to reading comprehension. Even so, reading sentences before and after the section the student struggles with can help identify what the student does not understand. These are just some techniques I'd use.
How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?
Sometimes, relating a subject to a student's life can help widen the student's perspective. Hopefully, I will provide incentive with a reward system and understanding the student's relationship with that subject.
What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?
I believe the best technique is to give a student a hard question and watch him or her solve the problem. If the student answers correctly, he or she will explain the question to me and I will act as the student who struggles. I will ask the student questions to see if the student fully understand the material. In addition, I will request the student to write a summary and write down the information as if the student was making his or her own study guide.
How do you evaluate a student's needs?
I will carefully observe the student as he or she is being tutored. Throughout the tutoring session, I will ask the student questions such as "Do you need more time to work on this question?", "What don't you understand about this concept?", "What looks unfamiliar and what looks familiar to you in this part of the problem?", "Is there a specific way your teacher wants you to address the problem?", etc. Hopefully I can ask these types of questions throughout the tutoring without overwhelming the student.
What types of materials do you typically use during a tutoring session?
I will request that the student will have his or her notes, the textbook required for the class and a laptop (with the parent's approval so that I can show the student any resources he or she can use online). In addition, I will have my own notes in case I would like to refer to them. Other materials such as pens, pencils, calculator (if needed), and paper or notebook is essential during a tutoring session.