Shannon
Certified Tutor
I grew up loving books and learning, and by the time that I was fifteen I discovered that I wanted to be a librarian. At that age, I knew that my ideas might change, but I committed myself to my education and learning more about librarianship. I developed my interests by volunteering at my local library, shadowing a librarian, and tutoring my classmates. As high school graduation approached, I quickly realized that library science was the only field of study in which I could see myself. For my undergraduate degree I am studying Professional Writing, Rhetoric, and Technology at University of South Florida. I plan to apply the writing and technology skills that I gain to the rapidly evolving library world. My goal is to learn every day, and my passion is to educate and empower others.
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Undergraduate Degree: University of South Florida-Main Campus - Bachelor of Science, English- Professional Writing, Rhetoric, and Technology
- ACT English: 33
- ACT Science: 31
Environmental science and astronomy
- ACCUPLACER Reading Comprehension
- ACCUPLACER WritePlacer
- ACT Prep
- ACT English
- ACT Math
- ACT Reading
- ACT Science
- ACT Writing
- Algebra
- Algebra 2
- C++
- Comparative Literature
- English
- English Grammar and Syntax
- ESL/ELL
- Essay Editing
- Geometry
- Homework Support
- Math
- Other
- Persuasive Writing
- Pre-Algebra
- Pre-Calculus
- PSAT Prep
- SAT Reading
- SAT Writing and Language
- Study Skills
- Study Skills and Organization
- Test Prep
What is your teaching philosophy?
There are many strategies that are helpful to learning, but every student has a unique learning style. It is up to teachers to help students find a learning style that works best for them in each subject.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
I would start by introducing myself and asking the student about themselves. I would then help them identify anything that is blocking them from learning the material to their best ability, and help them plan to move through those blocks.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
An independent learner should know how to identify and resolve problems on their own. I would help a student by giving them examples of problems that can arise in learning environments, and examples of different solutions to those problems.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
I would ask a student their goals, make sure that they have short-term and long-term plans to meet those goals, and encourage them to keep their vision of the future in mind as they work.
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
I would help a student figure out the exact nature of their problem, and help them break down the process of learning to identify specific steps that they can take to improve.
How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?
I help students by making sure that they are aware of their own understanding of texts and strategies to boost comprehension, such as pausing to summarize and recognize main ideas.
What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?
I have found that it is best to talk with the student about what they want out of the session(s) before diving into the material.
How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?
To help a student get excited about a subject that they are struggling in, I would start by asking them the purpose of the subject. I would guide them to think of times in their life that they can apply it, and its larger function in the world.
What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?
I would check by asking them if they have any questions and asking them review questions about the material. I might also ask them to show me how to work out a problem or answer a question.
How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?
I always make sure to give students positive reinforcement for their effort. It's also important to stay positive and constructive when they have difficulty understanding something.
How do you evaluate a student's needs?
I evaluate a student's needs by first talking with a student or their parent/guardian. During sessions, I pay attention to a student's level of comprehension and ask them questions about anything that I'm not sure that they have down.
How do you adapt your tutoring to the student's needs?
First, I talk with them about what they're struggling with most. If they aren't sure, I'll go over some material with them to find a good place to start. I keep communication open with them and continually test them to make sure they have a solid grasp.
What types of materials do you typically use during a tutoring session?
It depends a lot on the student, their grade, and the subject that I'm helping them with. I may look for worksheets online, but usually I end up modifying them to suit the session plan that I have in mind. I also try to find extra activities and exercises that can come in many forms.