Matthew: Ypsilanti charter Township tutor
Certified Tutor
I believe that fostering curiosity and a passion for knowledge is the most important job a teacher has. For out of this passion and drive, there is no limit to what one can seek to learn and understand. A recent arrival from London, England I am hoping to establish myself in New York. I am a hard-working, highly educated and determined young professional with a diverse skill set and range of experiences. No matter what I have been involved in be it my studies or my work, I have always harbored a deep love of learning. When I taught elementary school, or worked with my peers in the library writing center, it was this love of knowledge and curiosity that I wanted to pass on. This desire - coupled with my enthusiasm and attention to detail - is what drive me to be an effective tutor/teacher.
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Undergraduate Degree: Hendrix College - Bachelors, English
Graduate Degree: East 15 - University of Essex - Masters, Acting
Guitar, Singing, Basketball, Lacrosse, Archery, Fencing, Film, Drawing, Billiards, Writing, Swing Dancing, Carpentry and Theatre
- College English
- College Essays
- Comparative Literature
- English
- Essay Editing
- European History
- High School English
- Literature
- Reading
- SAT Reading
- Social Studies
- Test Prep
- Writing
What is your teaching philosophy?
I believe that nothing is beyond understanding. The key is to simply break it down into manageable parts, and then put it all back together again.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
By finding a subject or a part of a subject that interests a student, I would help them use it to focus in their studies. As long as a student has a reason to like a subject, or a drive to know more said subject, motivation will follow.
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
I would help them break it down into more manageable parts, and I would find a way to bring in a measure of fun/play that would help give them focus.
How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?
I would help them find something that they are a passionate about in their hobbies or daily life that pertains to the subject. If it's not as simple as that, then I would find another method of introducing a level of interest or fun that could help fuel their studies.
What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?
I would try to get them to discuss the material, listening to see whether they fully understand it and whether or not they have formed informed opinions on it.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
By helping to engender a sense of genuine passion for learning or more than just surface curiosity, the student often develops this independence all by themselves. It's like starting a campfire, once it's lit, it will burn as long as you keep adding fuel.