Zoe
Certified Tutor
Thanks to one-on-one help in middle and high school, I not only achieved stronger grades/test scores, but gained the confidence I will continue to use even beyond graduate school. I hope to give others the same invaluable tool set!
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Undergraduate Degree: Sarah Lawrence College - Current Undergrad, Pre-Medicine
Medicine, math, drawing, photography
- 10th Grade
- 10th Grade Math
- 10th Grade Reading
- 10th Grade Writing
- 11th Grade
- 11th Grade Math
- 11th Grade Reading
- 11th Grade Writing
- 12th Grade
- 12th Grade Math
- 12th Grade Reading
- 12th Grade Writing
- 1st Grade Math
- 1st Grade Reading
- 1st Grade Writing
- 2nd Grade
- 2nd Grade Math
- 2nd Grade Reading
- 2nd Grade Writing
- 3rd Grade
- 3rd Grade Math
- 3rd Grade Reading
- 3rd Grade Science
- 3rd Grade Writing
- 4th Grade
- 4th Grade Math
- 4th Grade Reading
- 4th Grade Science
- 4th Grade Writing
- 5th Grade
- 5th Grade Math
- 5th Grade Reading
- 5th Grade Science
- 5th Grade Writing
- 6th Grade
- 6th Grade Math
- 6th Grade Reading
- 6th Grade Science
- 6th Grade Writing
- 7th Grade
- 7th Grade Math
- 7th Grade Reading
- 7th Grade Science
- 7th Grade Writing
- 8th Grade
- 8th Grade Math
- 8th Grade Reading
- 8th Grade Science
- 8th Grade Writing
- 9th Grade
- 9th Grade Math
- 9th Grade Reading
- 9th Grade Writing
- ACCUPLACER Arithmetic
- ACCUPLACER College-Level Math
- ACCUPLACER Elementary Algebra
- ACT Math
- Adult Literacy
- Algebra
- Algebra 2
- Anatomy
- Anatomy & Physiology
- AP Calculus AB
- ASPIRE Math
- CAHSEE Mathematics
- Calculus
- California Proficiency Program (CPP) Prep
- CLEP Calculus
- CLEP College Algebra
- CLEP College Mathematics
- College English
- College Essays
- College Math
- COMPASS Mathematics
- Competition Math
- Drawing
- Elementary Algebra
- Elementary Math
- Elementary School
- Elementary School Math
- Elementary School Reading
- Elementary School Science
- Elementary School Writing
- English
- Finite Mathematics
- GED Prep
- GED Math
- Geometry
- Graphic Design
- GRE Subject Test in Mathematics
- High School
- High School Chemistry
- High School English
- High School Writing
- HSPT Math
- IB Further Mathematics
- IB Further Mathematics HL
- IB Mathematical Studies SL
- IB Mathematics HL
- IB Mathematics SL
- IB Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches
- IB Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation
- Intermediate Algebra
- Life Sciences
- Linear Algebra
- Math
- Mathematica
- Middle School
- Middle School Math
- Middle School Reading
- Middle School Science
- Middle School Writing
- Non-Euclidean Geometry
- Pre-Algebra
- Printmaking
- SAT Math
- SAT Subject Test in Mathematics Level 1
- SAT Subject Tests Prep
- Science
- Technology and Coding
- Test Prep
- Trigonometry
How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?
The ways I've always preferred to learn myself are typically the ways I teach. Once it seems like a student has a pretty strong understanding of a subject, I like to play competitive or timed games. It can be anything from dry-erase board Jeopardy to quiz racing. This way practice problems don't get too repetitive, and students know they can handle the material under pressure. I've found this especially helpful with test prep!
How do you adapt your tutoring to the student's needs?
I've worked with students who pick up material quickly, but have little motivation/organizational skills. These students are more successful with sessions dedicated to a variety of different problem set activities--to keep the new concepts engaging. Some students are very organized and motivated, but take a little longer to understand a concept. These students will have an easier time doing practice problems on their own, so sessions are better spent going over several new concepts in depth. Recognizing the difference here is very important to making sessions more efficient.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
First, I like to have the student go through step-by-step the problems they found most challenging on a problem set. Then, I come up with a sampling of mini problems that focus on the trickiest component--like factoring or application of a formula--and guide the student through those until they're confident.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
Personally, I'm a visual learner. Habits I've developed like illustrated note-taking (I used to even make science comics sometimes in high school), flashcards, etc., have really helped me study solo. I've also found it helpful to teach students how to better use online resources to find/check their own practice problems.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
Small goals! It's so important to celebrate achievements like mastering the application of one specific integral identity or getting all the way through a novel. That way it's easier to push through going back and getting all the details.
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
Practice is usually the most important part of grasping a concept. It's also what students tend to find most monotonous and frustrating. By playing games and trying out different approaches, I can help a student practice a skill without burning out.
How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?
Students who are struggling with reading comprehension often benefit from engaging with the material in new ways. For example, it may help to make light annotations or pause every so often to ask a question or express an opinion. Repeated guidance going through text this way ultimately forms habits that will help the student with reading comprehension long after the sessions.