Justin
Certified Tutor
I have a Mechanical Engineering background with 10 years of experience as a professional engineer for both large corporations as well as privately owned businesses. I served as a Student Athletic Tutor during my enrollment in undergraduate school, where I tutored fellow student athletes in math and science, which is where I realized I had a passion for helping others learn. I became a Supplemental Educational Services (SES) Tutor for Title-1 Schools in Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools District which only increased my passion to help those who want to learn.
I have 5+ years of experience tutoring both middle and high school students in multiple math subjects with a focus on Pre-Algebra, Algebra I, Algebra II and Geometry for various after school enrichment programs.
The look of gratification and achievement that is a direct result of a student realizing their own learning potential provides me with great satisfaction. Also outside of academia I enjoy video games , sports and music.
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Undergraduate Degree: South Carolina State University - Bachelors, Mechanical Engineering
Disc Golf, Video Games, Music
- Algebra
- Elementary Math
- Elementary School Math
- GED Prep
- Math
- Mechanical Engineering
- Pre-Algebra
- Test Prep
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
Introduce myself and get to know the student on both an academic and personal level. Assess mathematical proficiency and inquire about what the student expects to gain from tutoring. Smile!! Laugh!! Build!!
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
By allowing the student time to build confidence through mastery of subject matter through guided practice. Also by providing study advice and techniques, and then gradually decreasing tutor involvement during problem solving until the student becomes the teacher.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
By giving the student constant verbal, positive reinforcement, and learning how that student prefers to structure lessons and attempting to provide that format consistently. Take A Break!! Refocus!!
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
I would break down the concept or problem to the most basic level and continue to do so until we reach a point or concept that the student is familiar with. Then, build from there until we arrive back where we began. Only this time, there is a much better understanding of the material. Practice!! Practice!! Practice!!
What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?
To find a way to relate to them as an individual first, then a student. Be sincere in intent and purpose when listening to the student's academic concerns. Make the student laugh and loosen up the mood!!
How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?
Try to relate the subject to something that the student does in his or her personal life. Attempt to find a portion of that subject material that the student does understand and allow them to build confidence from completing that portion. Verbal encouragement!!
What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?
Provide the student with practice problems to complete independently and require the student to explain each operation as the problem is being solved.
How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?
Practice until the student gains mastery of subject material, and plenty of verbal positive reinforcement.
How do you evaluate a student's needs?
Talk to the student, and also observe and assess the student's mode of learning through body language and facial expressions.
How do you adapt your tutoring to the student's needs?
Get to know the student on a personal level. This way, you will be aware of what that student specifically requires from you to be effective as a tutor.
What types of materials do you typically use during a tutoring session?
I typically use textbooks, software applications, workbooks, and a dry erase board.
What is your teaching philosophy?
Each student has his or her own path to reach maximum potential. It's all about providing the vehicle.
How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?
Break the pages into paragraphs and the paragraphs into sentences. Read each sentence one by one, while pausing at the end of each to discuss what events took place within and build from there until the student has a greater understanding of what is being read.