Gina
Certified Tutor
Welcome to my page! I work for a non-profit agency, reunifying immigrant youth with their U.S. based families. I learned Spanish in school and then worked in Mexico and Colombia where I became a more fluent speaker. I love being able to connect with Spanish-speaking groups in their native language and would like to help you do the same! As a second-language learner, I relate to your learning journey. Let me know how I can support you, whether it be vocabulary and grammar, pronunciation, and/or cultural aspects! Look forward to meeting you!!
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Undergraduate Degree: Northeastern Illinois University - Bachelors, Social Work, with Minor in Spanish
Graduate Degree: Dominican University - Masters, Social Work
Dance, Travel, & Books
What is your teaching philosophy?
My style as a tutor is to learn exactly what your needs are and provide you with individualized support. I will want to learn your learning style and interests so I can make learning Spanish fun and understandable. Outside of this, I always place a strong emphasis on speaking the language regardless of your level, so I will attempt to have you speak as much as possible!
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
In a first session with a student, I would get to know what the student's Spanish needs are so I can tailor the tutoring accordingly. After, I might ask a few questions to get to know my student's interests and personality and share mine as well.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
I can help a student become an independent learner.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
I would help a student stay motivated by praising the student and by trying to relate the Spanish learning to his/her real life.
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
We would attempt different methods to find the method that best serves the student to gain that skill or concept. I would also assure the student that he/she is great and doing his/her best and that eventually he/she will grab the skill!
How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?
To help students who are struggling with reading comprehension, I would first teach him/her how to approach a reading sample. For example, identify questions, bold words, titles, etc. Secondly, I might break up the reading text to make it more manageable. Lastly, I would provide students with reading samples that are interesting to them.
What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?
To be sure a student understands the material, I would provide sample questions that mirror what we are working on.
How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?
To build a student's confidence in Spanish, I would give positive feedback, exercise patience, and not over correct the student.
How do you evaluate a student's needs?
I evaluate student's needs by asking them what their needs are and revisiting their needs from time to time.
What types of materials do you typically use during a tutoring session?
During a tutoring session I might use workbooks, flashcards, worksheets, mini whiteboards and online tools.