Aurelia: Schiller Park tutor
Certified Tutor
I have over 20 years experience as a state-certified Spanish, French, German, and ESL (English as a Second Language) teacher. I am a skilled instructor who teaches effectively. In addition, I offer students quality lessons and help them reach their learning goals.
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Undergraduate Degree: Oakland University - Bachelors, Modern Languages - Spanish, French, German
Graduate Degree: Wayne State University - Masters, Teaching, English as a Second Language (ESL)
Learning languages, writing, reading, traveling
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
During the first session, I ask the students what areas of language instruction they want to work on and their overall goals. Based on this information, I begin teaching the lesson. Afterwards, I ask the students their thoughts on the lesson and what they would like to continue or change for the next lesson.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
I help students become independent learners by suggesting books, websites, and videos they can use for personal study. In addition, I help students use the language in real world applications so they can continue learning and using the language, even after the tutor sessions are finished.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
I can help a student stay motivated by finding out about their hobbies and interests, and including this information in my instruction.
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
To help students learn a difficult concept, I spend a little more time on this area and provide suggestions for improvement.
What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?
Some of the strategies I use with students include choral repetition, modeling, flashcards, role play, conversation, TPR (Total Physical Response), and more.
What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?
To make sure students understand the material, I use review questions. I also ask the students what further questions they have, which provides an opportunity to clarify concepts.
How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?
I build a student's confidence by telling them when they have done a good job.
How do you adapt your tutoring to the student's needs?
I am able to adapt to the student's needs because I have over 20 years of experience teaching languages. So I have learned many techniques for teaching according to the student's requests.
What types of materials do you typically use during a tutoring session?
I use Skype, books, videos, chat boxes, whiteboards, and more to teach students.
What is your teaching philosophy?
My teaching philosophy is to match my instruction according to the student's learning goals and objectives.
How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?
For students who are struggling with reading, I help them to build up their vocabulary and teach them phonics in context. I use techniques such as prediction, skimming, modeling, choral reading, and more.
How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?
To get students excited with a subject, I ask them a preview question. I also try to connect the topic with their interests.
How do you evaluate a student's needs?
To evaluate a student's needs, I first ask them their thoughts regarding what areas they want to improve on. I also give an informal assessment, which most often takes place with a conversation. I may also ask for a sample of their writing and ask the student to read a passage.