Alex: Downey tutor
Certified Tutor
I joined Varsity Tutor because I have a passion to spread knowledge to others. I am currently an undergraduate, Biology major at the University of California Irvine. My best subjects to tutor are mainly high school math and science courses. I ensure that I will always give it my 100% at every tutoring session scheduled.When it comes to passing knowledge to our nation's youth, I will devote time in the week for a worthy cause. Personally, I am just an average guy that likes to hike, watch basketball, and spend time with my family. I promise that if I am your tutor, I will give it my all to ensure you succeed.
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Undergraduate Degree: University of California-Irvine - Current Undergrad, Biological Sciences
- ACT Math: 32
Working Out/ Hiking/Learning About Greek Mythology/Watching "The Walking Dead"/ Spending time with my cousin
- 9th Grade Math
- ACT Math
- Algebra
- Algebra 2
- AP Biology
- Biology
- College Algebra
- College Biology
- Geometry
- High School Biology
- Math
- Science
- Test Prep
What is your teaching philosophy?
I believe that a tutor's job is to not only teach the student, but to grow with the student as well. There is no such thing as the perfect tutor, but I can become the friendly guide that will embark on the student's journey to academic success.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
I will try my best to get to know the student personally, socially, and academically. I believe building a bond with the student is necessary to understand how the student thinks and learns things.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
My belief is that practice is the key to help build independent learning in a student's mind. At first, I will probably discuss the concept first or solve an example problem, but then I will make the student apply what I taught him or her in another example to see if they grasp the content.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
I will ensure them that I will always make myself there whenever need be. I will also promise to make my teaching method revolve around the individual student. Every student has strengths and weaknesses, and I will motivate them by not giving up on them until those weaknesses fade.
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
I would ask the student the reasoning behind why they do not understand the skill or concept. Once I understand why they cannot comprehend something, I would probably provide either a visual or real-world example to help them understand.
How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?
I will read with the student, and explain each part of the piece throughout the reading. I will also be sure to summarize and ask questions about the piece to ensure the student fully understands, also.
What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?
I found that just teaching them the concept or skill first, followed by numerous examples, to be the most successful methods in my tutoring sessions.
How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?
I will explain to them the importance of that subject in the real world, and I will also try to show them more hands-on or visual activities of what they learn.
What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?
I would primarily like to use visuals, videos, and numerous examples.
How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?
I would remain patient with them and continue to give them the motivation they need to keep on going. I will remind them it is okay to be confused, but it is not okay to give up.