Pamina: Nassau County tutor
Certified Tutor
My name is Pamina and I hold a TESOL Certificate from Columbia University and a TESOL Master's Degree from Columbia University, Teachers College. I have taught ESL to adults at Columbia University as well as over the past 5+ years at Berlitz US, Varsity Tutors, InAmerica EDU, an education consulting firm, and privately. As well, I teach creative writing, ELA, and college application essay prep. My approach is holistic and I teach my students under the Communicative Language Approach, where students learn through elicitation, strengthening their critical thinking skills and autonomy. Many of my students have had great academic success with having been accepted to ivy league institutions such as Columbia University, Harvard University, and Oxford University. Along with this, I also possess experience with private school applications and the college application process after working as an education consultant for 2+ years. I look forward to working with you!
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Undergraduate Degree: Pace University-New York - Bachelors, Communications
ESL, Languages, Musical Instruments, Novel writing, Creative Writing
- College English
- Creative Writing
- Elementary School Reading
- Elementary School Writing
- English
- English Grammar and Syntax
- ESL/ELL
- Essay Editing
- Expository Writing
- Fiction Writing
- High School English
- High School Writing
- Introduction to Fiction
- Middle School Reading
- Middle School Reading Comprehension
- Middle School Writing
- Other
- Public Speaking
- Reading
- Spelling Bee
- Study Skills
- Study Skills and Organization
- Test Prep
- TOEFL Prep
- Writing
What is your teaching philosophy?
Teaching should be based on the manner in which a student can learn best. Some individuals learn best through auditory practice, while others learn best visually. It is all about learning about one's students and understanding them. Creativity is also quite important. From a personal perspective, I have always had an easier time learning interactively and through auditory teachings. It is more essential to understand the way a student learns, than to teach in a way that one believes the student will learn best. It is a combination of understanding a student and passion for one's subject, and mastering that subject.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
In a first session, I will get to know my student by understanding his/her hobbies, interests, and favorite subject in school. I will then ask what difficulties the student experiences when studying and/or learning something specifically in English. We will then play a game which will allow me to better understand the student's abilities and ways they can improve. I prefer to teach in such a way that allows the student to feel comfortable and confident.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
Providing a student with techniques that allow the student to learn how to memorize and understand material will allow the student to become an independent learner. Also, offering reassurance and amplifying a student's strengths will allow the student to feel motivated.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
Helping a student stay motivated is key to gaining positive results. It's important to emphasize what it is the student does well, and to prove to them that they are capable of learning and applying anything.
What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?
Being engaging, friendly, patient and kind. Connecting with the student on a personal level as well as a professional level, in regards to understanding the way their mind works and what they are willing to work towards.
How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?
The way to excite a student regarding a subject they are struggling with is to emphasize what it is they are successful with in that subject. Emphasizing what it is the student does well will give the student more confidence.