Janet
Certified Tutor
Undergraduate Degree: Liberty University - Bachelors, English
cooking, reading
American Sign Language
College English
High School English
What is your teaching philosophy?
My teaching philosophy is to do all I can to determine the best learning methods for my individual students, and then to make adjustments so that those methods can be implemented. I love to experiment with different approaches to find ways to get students excited about learning, or at least to truly understand the value of learning.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
I would definitely take some time to acquaint myself with the student, not just jump right in and start tutoring. It is important to build rapport between teacher and student.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
To become an independent learner, a student must be allowed to enjoy some measure of success so as not to become discouraged. My job would be to present opportunities for a student to succeed and therefore be encouraged.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
I would continue to make sure that opportunities for success were presented. I would definitely give as much positive feedback as possible, and give only criticism that is constructive.
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
I would try to implement different approaches relating to how I present a skill or concept.
How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?
I have encouraged students to read aloud. I have suggested listening to recorded material at the same time as they are reading it if possible. Another suggestion has been that students stop after a paragraph, page, etc., and summarize what they just read. Annotating is also a successful strategy for some students.
What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?
First and foremost is to build teacher-student rapport. Then I ask the student what things he struggles with most in order to get an idea for the right strategies to apply initially.
How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?
I would try to make connections between that subject and his everyday life and his future. Again, I would provide opportunities for the student to succeed and therefore be encouraged.
What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?
I would start with asking questions, orally and/or written. Then I would ask the student to summarize what he has learned before proceeding.
How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?
Confidence comes with success. I must present opportunities for success and positive feedback.
How do you evaluate a student's needs?
I evaluate a student's needs through discussion, questioning, quizzes, and tests.
How do you adapt your tutoring to the student's needs?
I find out their weaknesses and then endeavor to employ teaching methods that will strengthen those weaknesses.
What types of materials do you typically use during a tutoring session?
I have generally used the student's own materials and supplemental materials that I have on hand, such as worksheets, etc.