Kristina
Certified Tutor
Undergraduate Degree: Columbia College - Bachelors, Spanish
Graduate Degree: University of North Carolina at Charlotte - Masters, Foreign Language Education
Exercise
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
In a typical first session with a student I would do some get to know you activities. As a teacher or tutor it is important to get to know a student so that you can have a greater understanding of what kinds of activities might help the student learn. I would also discuss areas of strength and weakness so that I can determine the best way to help the student.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
I can help a student become an independent learner by suggesting learning strategies as well as technology tools that can be used for studying and review.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
I would help a student stay motivated through positive feedback and consistent encouragement.
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, I would reflect upon the get to know you activities from the first session to incorporate activities that the students might enjoy doing in order to help them learn. For example, if a student is musically inclined I might show them a video or song that helps to reiterate the topic that they are having difficulty with.
How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?
In order to help students who are struggling with reading comprehension, especially in regards to Spanish, I have them pull out the words that they already know to figure out the meaning of a sentence. I also remind them they are not always going to know every single word therefore they need to focus on the words they do recognize.
What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?
Some strategies that I have found to be most successful when starting to work with a student is incorporating activities that pertain to the learning style of the student.
How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?
In order to excite a student or get them engaged in a subject that they are struggling in, I use examples that the student might find relevant or interesting. Within my own classroom, one way that I engage my students is using celebrities. They enjoy any opportunity to describe or discuss famous musicians, sports players, actors and actresses that they like. I also choose activities where students get to express their own creativity.
What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?
In order to make sure that a student understands the material I would utilize the following techniques: Q & A, games, and activities where students have to show me that they know how to use what they have been taught.
How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?
I build a student's confidence in a subject by consistently providing encouragement and positive feedback.
How do you evaluate a student's needs?
I evaluate a student's needs based on their learning style.
How do you adapt your tutoring to the student's needs?
I adapt my tutoring to the student's needs by determining what their specific strengths and weakness are in regards to academic subject that I am tutoring them in.
What types of materials do you typically use during a tutoring session?
During a tutoring session I typically use videos, games, pictures, websites and textbooks.
What is your teaching philosophy?
My teaching philosophy is that the teacher is a facilitator who encourages the student to learn by allowing them to express their creativity.