Cynthia
Certified Tutor
I am a graduate of State University of New York Empire State College and Capella University. I hold a Bachelors of Science degree in Interdisciplinary Studies (major in International Studies). My Masters of Arts of Liberal Studies major is Cultural Anthropology and my Human Services Doctorate focused on Multi-cultural Counseling. I recently retired as a college professor and have 14 years of experience as an instructor both in the classroom and online. While most of my teaching has been with traditional classes, I have extensive experience tutoring one on one as well. Subjects taught include psychology, law and ethics for healthcare professionals, English (including writing and literature), and environmental studies. However, as my personal educational journey from Bachelors to PhD was of a broad and deep nature, I am also qualified to teach many additional subjects in the humanities and social sciences. My motivation as an instructor remains high due to the enjoyment and satisfaction I derive seeing students encounter that, "ah ha!" moment, when a previously difficult concept becomes understandable. I also flourish when encouraging students to think critically about topics and life in general. I love when students challenge me it indicates I'm doing my job! My style of teaching is very "user friendly". I am quite approachable, energetic, and love to use humor in my teaching. I also was voted by the student body at the college at which I taught, "The Most Popular Instructor in the Division of Health Disciplines for the Academic Year 2010-2011" and have been regularly told by students that it's very obvious that I love what I do. In my leisure time, I enjoy reading, films, theatre, spending time with my pets and traveling.
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Undergraduate Degree: SUNY Empire State College - Bachelors, International Studies
Graduate Degree: SUNY Empire State College and Capella University - PHD, Cultural Anthropology & Human Serices
Reading, films, theatre, spending time with my pets, travel
- Anthropology
- College English
- College Essays
- College Geography
- College Level American History
- Comparative Literature
- English
- English Grammar and Syntax
- Essay Editing
- European History
- Geography
- High School English
- High School Geography
- High School Level American History
- History
- Literature
- Other
- Psychology
- Public Speaking
- Social Sciences
- Social Studies
- Summer
- World Religions
- Writing
What is your teaching philosophy?
I believe that making each subject taught relevant to individual students' lives is of paramount importance. No matter what the topic, it is vital for all learners to understand how the information presented can be applied to whatever professional and personal endeavors they pursue.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
Introduce myself not only professionally, but discuss my own background with an emphasis on how my own determination to go as far as possible academically resulted in a successful outcome.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
My bachelors through doctorate were completed independently. Sharing my own journey and offering practical tips geared towards successful self-study is not my only strategy. I will be that student's cheerleader as well!
How would you help a student stay motivated?
I would reinforce the benefits of what a successful outcome in mastering the course work are likely to be. Positive reinforcement of even the smallest of accomplishments should be effective as well.
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
Break the concept down into the smallest segments possible and find as many different ways to explain it until the student demonstrates mastery.
How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?
Ask the student leading questions about the passage. Involve the student in a discussion about the passage.
What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?
Making sure the student is as relaxed as possible by establishing a positive instructor-student alliance via my being "user-friendly".
How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?
I would try to make it personally relevant to the student - whether it's by using pop culture references, or discussing the subject's applicability to their personal and/or professional lives.
What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?
Asking frequent questions. Asking the student to teach the material to me in his or her own words.
How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?
Strongly emphasizing everything the student is doing correctly, as well as acknowledging their efforts and where those efforts are likely to lead them.
How do you evaluate a student's needs?
Through discussion. I have been an academic psychologist for many years, and experience has taught me that conversation can disclose needs very rapidly.
How do you adapt your tutoring to the student's needs?
By changing my communication style and materials utilized.
What types of materials do you typically use during a tutoring session?
Internet sources, handouts.