Tesia
Certified Tutor
Undergraduate Degree: Brigham Young University-Idaho - Bachelors, Public Healrh
Reading, and Outdoor activities
Algebra 3/4
Elementary School Reading
Elementary School Writing
Epidemiology
Medicine
Middle School Reading
Middle School Reading Comprehension
Middle School Writing
Public Health
What is your teaching philosophy?
I believe that anything can be learned; it just needs to be taught in a way that is understood by the student.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
My first typical session would be asking the student what their questions are. Then I would have them answer some of the questions they are working on, while stating their thoughts out loud, so that we can address where they are misunderstanding things.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
I will help students become independent learners by teaching them to notice patterns and places where they usually get stuck. I will try my hardest not to outright give them an answer (unless it is something new they haven't learned yet), but I will ask guided questions or point out things to help them think through their answers.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
I would continually encourage them and praise them for the hard work they do. I believe that no matter what grade you get, as long as you really did everything possible, you should be proud of the grade!
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
I would practice the topic over and over again until they understand it. I would also look for new and different ways of teaching, so that we can find a way that they will understand the topic.
What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?
I have found the best strategy is to have them think out loud. This way, many times they are able to catch themselves, and if they don't catch themselves then I am able to point out misunderstandings to them.
How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?
I would point out to them the times they get it right, and how exciting it is that they finally understand a topic! I have had struggles in many classes that I have taken, and the biggest joy I find in these classes is when I finally understand something I have struggled with. I believe this will be the same for many people.
What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?
I would give them practice problems, or have them go over some practice problems that their teachers or equivalent have given them, even if it is ones we have already done. The more we practice, the better we are able to understand and see patterns.
How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?
I keep encouraging them and pointing out their successes to them. I show them that they have done hard things before and they can do it again!
How do you evaluate a student's needs?
I have them think out loud to show me where their thought process is. Many times this will help me to know how they think and thus how they learn. It will also help me locate areas they are struggling in and not realizing it themselves.
How do you adapt your tutoring to the student's needs?
I start with the way that I have done in the past, but if it is clearly not working I will go and do some research on other ways to teach. I will then try those ways until we are able to find a way that works.
What types of materials do you typically use during a tutoring session?
I like to use videos and random objects around the house. I try to find ways to tie the material being learned to the future occupation that the student wants, in order to pique the interest of the student.
How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?
I have a list of suggestions to help students read better and understand better what they are reading. I also believe that talking about passages they have just read and discussing them helps a lot. Practice is really a must in this area.