Ellen: East Bay tutor
Certified Tutor
My heartfelt life-long desire is to help others learn, learn to love to learn, understand that they are unique and have strengths and weaknesses, as do we all. I begin and end with respect for the learner, draw them out as I feel they are ready, then reinforce the learning and their sense of well-being.
Connect with a tutor like Ellen
Undergraduate Degree: Nazareth College - Bachelors, Social Science, Business, Education
Graduate Degree: Nazareth College - Masters, Education
Reading, selling on eBay
- Accounting
- AP Psychology
- Basic Computer Literacy
- High School Accounting
- High School Business
- IB Psychology
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office
- Other
- Psychology
- Study Skills
- Study Skills and Organization
What is your teaching philosophy?
There are some that say 'everyone can learn.' That is true to the point that someone has the desire to learn. Once that is in place, each individual has their strengths and challenges in the learning process. Oftentimes, insight into what those are is the key to success.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
Introduction, of course. Next comes non-threatening questions regarding their goals and needs. Third comes a few generic problem-solving activities where discussion takes place as they apply the steps to the solution.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
Self-realization of their cognitive and personal style, their educational background with successes and challenges, instruction for each of those, and then continued follow-up for each.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
I'd use several similar practice problems, discuss the individual steps verbally, and revisit the skill at each session.
How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?
Phonics, pleasant reading, mini-rewards, honest praise, positive body language, and personal encouragement.
What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?
Slow, calm, and non-threatening introductory conversations. I have sincere empathy, and my students realize that early on.
How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?
The learning process can become positive with slow steps for those who have a long or short history of struggling.
What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?
Teach, reinforce, practice, and then a fun activity that reinforces.
How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?
Sincere positive feedback, using verbal and body language.
How do you evaluate a student's needs?
Non-threatening discussion that slowly lowers their guard. It can take several meetings before the comfort level is achieved. Next comes generic problem solving with small steps.
How do you adapt your tutoring to the student's needs?
Assessing their needs (see previous answers) and questioning those in the student's life - parents, teachers, and administrators. And I 'Google' as many things as I can, using as many search words as possible.
What types of materials do you typically use during a tutoring session?
Computer applications, paper, and pencil.