Leonard
Certified Tutor
I am a 23-year-old Columbia graduate with a real passion for teaching. I have been a tutor in both professional and volunteer capacities for nearly 10 years and have taught students ranging in age from second and third grade through college. I have classroom teaching experience as well and can adapt to both group and individual settings. I have taught students of all abilities in a wide variety of subjects. There is no confusion too small or problem too complicated that I cannot help with if not solve. I am exceptionally dedicated to my students; ensuring that they not simply memorize concepts or regurgitate facts but truly understand the material. I ask them to defend their answers which teaches them that the correct response is often less important than the reasoning used to reach said response. I honestly believe that anyone can learn anything given enough time and patience. I try my best to not only be a teacher but also a role model to my students and to interact with them as people not just clients. Most importantly, I believe that being challenging, but also patient and supportive yields the best results. I will always work my hardest to ensure that your student comes away learning the most that he or she can.
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Undergraduate Degree: Columbia - Bachelor in Arts, Math
Science Fiction/Fantasy Novels and Movies, Board and Video Games, Indie Music, Nerdfighteria
- Algebra
- Algebra 2
- Algebra 3/4
- American Literature
- Anatomy
- Anatomy & Physiology
- AP Biology
- AP Calculus AB
- AP Calculus BC
- AP English Literature and Composition
- AP Physics 1
- AP United States History
- AP US History
- Biology
- British Literature
- Calculus
- Calculus 2
- College Algebra
- College Biology
- College English
- College Level American History
- College Level American Literature
- College Physics
- Comparative Literature
- English
- General Biology
- General Chemistry
- Geometry
- Hebrew
- High School Biology
- High School Chemistry
- High School English
- High School Level American History
- High School Level American Literature
- High School Physics
- History
- Honors Chemistry
- Languages
- Latin
- Latin 1
- Latin 2
- Life Sciences
- Literature
- Molecular Biology
- Newtonian Mechanics
- Nuclear Chemistry
- Physics
- Physiology
- Pre-Algebra
- Pre-Calculus
- Social Studies
- Special & General Relativity
- Trigonometry
- US History
What is your teaching philosophy?
Everyone can learn and anyone can be taught. One just needs to be patient and supportive.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
Introduce myself and find common interests. Then, set out a curriculum and ask if they have any questions.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
Follow up on their work and encourage them to ask questions. Teach them to explain the concepts in their own words to show confidence and competence.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
Develop a personal relationship with them and keep their spirits up. Additionally, use innovative, interactive, and engaging teaching strategies.
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
I would encourage them to try again. I would re-explain it slower and more thoroughly, and if there was still difficulty, I would have them take a short break.
How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?
By being patient and responsive to the student's particular needs.
What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?
To first take some time to get to know the student personally and develop a rapport. Then to assess their particular points of strength and support those, while also working to strengthen those things that may need some more work.
How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?
I'd try to relate the subject material to their particular lives and see if/how they can apply it to their everyday experience. Also, I'd foster an environment where the student sees making a mistake as not a failure but an opportunity for growth.
What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?
To ask them to defend their answer and explain their reasoning. This ensures that the student isn't simply guessing. Then, I'd ask them to try explaining it back to me in their own words.
How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?
By mastering the basics and not moving too quickly. Also, I'd be emotionally supportive and give consistent and deserved positive feedback.
How do you evaluate a student's needs?
By asking them first what they think they are best at and then going through some diagnostic questions. Also, by being observant and attentive to what they seem best suited to.
How do you adapt your tutoring to the student's needs?
By not simply applying a formulaic approach to every student. Each student responds to different styles. Some students need a more friendly attitude, while others find that distracting. It's all about being attentive and sensitive to the student's needs.
What types of materials do you typically use during a tutoring session?
Whatever I have available. Flashcards, YouTube videos (if appropriate and not distracting), students' textbooks, and visual aids.