Nikhil: University of Wisconsin-Madison tutor
Certified Tutor
I am a Math teacher who is determined to ensure that all my students accomplish their goals. I will use my best efforts to have students not only meet my expectations but their own as well.
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Undergraduate Degree: The University of Texas at Austin - Bachelors, Mathematics Education
Graduate Degree: University of Houston - Current Grad Student, Mathematics
Boxing, Music, Motorcycles
What is your teaching philosophy?
My teaching philosophy is creating a setting where the student understands fundamentals in order to make connections for higher-order problem solving.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
In a typical first session, I would introduce myself and have the student explain what exactly they would like to accomplish. I work with the student to set goals and determine if there are any misconceptions that are needed to be cleared in order to start achieving success.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
I like to have students start building accountability for their learning and determine if they are being successful or not, and the reasoning behind it.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
I will show how the student can become successful and maintain his/her success. When frustration comes into play, going over the game plan/goals tend to help remind students of how to stay on track. I would also have students come up with a way to decide what to do to help them stay motivated to create intrinsic value.
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
I would take different approaches to explain the skill/concept until the student feels like they are starting to grasp it.
What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?
Having students set goals and asking them to evaluate themselves at the end of a session has worked well in my experience with students.
How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?
I would have students make connections with the subject and value what they are learning to create a sense of relevance.
What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?
I would create a post assessment and have students answer meaningful questions to see if they understood the material and concepts, rather than just memorize a procedure.
How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?
I guide the student as needed initially, and start having the student become more independent as we continue, until the student sees he/she is proficient in the content area.
How do you evaluate a student's needs?
I try to see where the student lacks fluidity and understanding, without judging the student, to accurately have the student convey his/her strengths and weaknesses.
How do you adapt your tutoring to the student's needs?
I try to see understand the student's thinking process of certain material, and build strategies based off that in order to make the tutorial most beneficial for the student.
What types of materials do you typically use during a tutoring session?
I initially have students use their class materials to see what they are currently wanting help with and go from there. If needed, I can use other resources to help students with their specific content area.