Sheriase
Certified Tutor
Undergraduate Degree: South Carolina State University - Bachelors, Biology, General
Graduate Degree: University of Georgia - PHD, Food Microbiology
Reading, traveling
What is your teaching philosophy?
Biology is a very broad field of science in which students seem to be overwhelmed by its content. Therefore, science teachers must manipulate the content in several ways to make the information interesting and comprehensive for the student. When presenting information and biological concepts, the teacher should explain this information as if telling a story. Students seem to be more intrigued with this type of technique, and they seem to retain the information more efficiently.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
Talk with the student to assess how they learn, study and reinforce information from the classroom. Then I would focus on the methods used for studying.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
I would use nontraditional methods to test their knowledge of a subject. I would help them to think critically before answering a question. Visual aids would mostly be used.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
I would start with the basics of the concept and then build up to more complex understanding. It would be more a layered method of learning.
How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?
I would help to them to use visual aids to assist with the comprehension of the reading.
What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?
Visual aids and frequently reviewing of concepts until the student understands and feels comfortable with the content.
How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?
I would find the positive reward that will result from them understanding the subject in relation to a successful career.
What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?
I would give them verbal quizzes and short written quizzes to reinforce understanding. I would also have discussions with them.
How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?
Positive reinforcement when they understand a concept and help them in more challenging areas until they become confident.
How do you evaluate a student's needs?
Discussion of progress of exams, quizzes and course assignments.
How do you adapt your tutoring to the student's needs?
I would follow the pace and tenacity of the student in the course. Again, I would have discussions with the student about the subject to understand their point of view.
What types of materials do you typically use during a tutoring session?
The student textbook, laptop, scratch paper, visual aids.