Laura: Park Ridge tutor
Certified Tutor
I have a bachelors degree in Business Management from Texas A&M University. Since then, I have been in education for the last 5 years in some form or fashion. I was a part of the first two years of a Harvard University program tutoring lower income, inner city students. I wrote curriculum for Algebra and Geometry for multiply high schools. And for the last two years, I taught Algebra 1 where I was awarded Beginning Teacher of the Year, and the next year, Young Outstanding Educator Award.
I love helping students who are struggling and feel like there is no hope because there ABSOLUTELY is! Everyone can understand math - You just have to find a way you connect with it. From making real life scenarios to dressing up in character, math can be relative and fun in some way.
When I am not tutoring or teaching, I love playing basketball, ultimate frisbee, hiking, camping, or hanging out with my dog, Rooster Bear.
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Undergraduate Degree: Texas A & M University-College Station - Bachelor of Science, Business
State Certified Teacher
Basketball, Ultimate Frisbee, Hiking, Camping, Movies, Guitar
What is your teaching philosophy?
I believe learning should be fun! When a student is enjoying what they are learning or how they are learning it, the material is able to "stick." Because of this, any way I can deliver content through a game, cartoon, or project, I do!
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
I would first take a few minutes getting to know my student, their hobbies, academic interests, and struggles. We would then jump in to tackling whatever needs that student has.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
Independent learning can only be achieved when seen. I would start by modeling and painting an "end" picture of what we want to accomplish. We would then work step by step, slowly putting more and more responsibility on the student.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
Motivation comes in many, many different forms. I would rely on intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. Intrinsically, I would help the student come up with a way to define and remind them what they are working for. Extrinsically, I would talk with the parent or bring small incentives.
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
If a student is seeking help, chances are the traditional methods are not working. So, I would then move on to "out of the box" thinking. This could range anywhere from using cartoons, rhymes, videos, or games.
How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?
Reading comprehension can be developed through vocabulary, crystallized knowledge, and practice!
What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?
I find that a student needs to know that they WILL succeed in the end. If you know you will understand a concept, it is easier to push through the adversity.
How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?
To excite students about a topic, you have to make connections into their life and the real world. That could be seen through the type of question, relating the topic to real life use, or a game.
What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?
Check-for-understanding techniques are crucial to success. I would ask the student to formulate a topic in their own thoughts, draw a picture to illustrate a concept, try a problem, or even create a new problem!
How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?
To build confidence, you have to start small. I would show a student that they can be successful in the subject, even if it may not be that exact topic.
How do you evaluate a student's needs?
I would first evaluate a student's needs informally through discussion, grades, and the parent's thoughts. I would then formally assess a student through created problems on certain topics related to their subject of struggle.
How do you adapt your tutoring to the student's needs?
I adapt my pace, depth of problem, length of problem, and the number of concepts assessed in a problem to tailor tutoring to that student's needs.
What types of materials do you typically use during a tutoring session?
I use mostly online resources or resources I have created. These can take the form of worksheets, games, card sorts, projects, or graphic organizers. I would also ask the student what materials they use in class.