Lena
Certified Tutor
If you want to learn how to do math and is willing to do the work, then I am your tutor. I graduated from New Jersey Institute of Technology with Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Mathematics. I was trained on solving mathematical equations and doing calculation. My favorite calculus class was Calculus II and my favorite branch within mathematics is Discrete Mathematics. Discrete Mathematic is introduces set theory, probability topics. This course has influenced me in my career.
I was a Teaching Assistant when I was doing Undergraduate study. I led weekly recitation periods where I answered students' questions on materials they were learning in class. Those who did well in class were those who were trying to do as much as they understand. I always cheered the students on when they are doing well and encouraged them when I think they need a little help.
After college, I went on to work for Prudential where I took Actuarial Exams for my career development. The Actuarial Exams are professional license exams that build on calculus, probability, statistics and advanced statistics topics. I find what I learned in my undergraduate study extremely applicable in my daily work.
Currently, I am studying for another actuarial exam. I want to be a tutor where I can inspire students to like math and practice math problems. Everyone who is willing to learn can be good at this subject. It is applying logics in problem solving and these logics are rules where one needs to memorize, but practice repetitively will help the memorization process. I look forward to work with you.
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Undergraduate Degree: New Jersey Institute of Technology - Bachelors, Applied Mathematics
Reading, Psychology
What is your teaching philosophy?
Each student is different, but they are the same in that criticism may cause them to feel discouraged.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
I will ask what the student thinks they need help on. Then I would try to assess the student's math foundation to see if there are other areas that could use some improvement.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
I will show the student a strategy to solve a problem. The student can apply that strategy when solving that type of question. I will then show some great resources where students can get help.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
I will keep track of the student's progress to show the student how far he/she has come along and all the topics he/she can now do after coming to tutoring sessions.
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
I would assess where the student needs help on. Math is a subject that is learned progressively, so if a student has a weak spot, then it will show in problem solving. I will explain the topics where the students are weak in and move on from there.
How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?
I will ask the student to explain to me what he/she thinks the problem means. I will say to the student, "That's one way to think of it. A better way to think of the problem is..." then I will explain what the problem means.
What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?
When the student and I are working on a problem, we will first understand what the problem is asking, we then break down the problem into smaller pieces and solve each piece individually.
How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?
I will show what I know in the subject, and I will encourage the student to learn and apply it. I will cheer the student on when he/she is getting the concept. I will reinforce the idea that anyone can be good at math if they are willing to learn and practice.
What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?
I will refer back to what we learned and ask students questions. If a student can answer the question, then he/she understands the material.
How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?
I build a student's confidence in a subject by cheering them on when they are doing a good job. I will encourage students to give answers when I know he/she knows how to do a problem. I will also keep track student's progress and show the student how far he/she has come along since beginning of tutoring sessions.
How do you adapt your tutoring to the student's needs?
If a student need reinforcement on prior topics, then we will spend a little time on that. I believe if students have all the building blocks, then this mathematical "building" a.k.a. solving problems will be sturdy and self-sustaining.
What types of materials do you typically use during a tutoring session?
I would use the book I used in my classes, materials I found on internet, and internet tutorials.
How do you evaluate a student's needs?
I assess student's understand on the subject to see if he/she is missing any building blocks, a.k.a. prior mathematical knowledge. If student has a good handle on the building blocks, then we will solve student's current questions; if he/she needs reinforcement, then I will explain those first.