Douglas: Woodstock tutor
Certified Tutor
I'm a professional environmental scientist and planner, with a broad background in geology, marine science, biology, etc.
I'm dedicated to making science education accessible to all!
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Undergraduate Degree: Boston University - Bachelors, Geology
Graduate Degree: University of California-Santa Barbara - Masters, Environmental Science & Management
drawing, painting, sports, nature
- AP Environmental Science
- Biology
- Chemistry
- College Biology
- Earth Science
- Ecology
- Environmental Science
- Geology
- High School Biology
- High School Chemistry
- Science
What is your teaching philosophy?
Respect for students, teaching at an appropriate level based on the student's background, and dedication to teaching science as a process accessible to all.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
Determine their standing in a class, desired goals, and areas of difficulty - then tailor teaching to meet the stated goals.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
I teach by allowing the student to do the work with hands-on tools and experiments.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
I focus on the end goal while making a little progress every day. Positive feedback and regular recommendations for improvement
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
I attempt multiple approaches until finding the one that works for that student.
How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?
I slow down the reading until I'm sure the material is being understood.
What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?
I use personal introductions, getting to know the student, and making them comfortable before attempting to give them new information.
How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?
I focus the topic on an area of their personal interest, such as sports or the arts. E.g. - How are chemistry and biology important in those fields?
What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?
Ask the student to teach the material back to confirm understanding!
How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?
Encouragement, repetition, and confirming understanding.
How do you evaluate a student's needs?
I discuss needs and goals with the student and/or parent during the introductory meeting
How do you adapt your tutoring to the student's needs?
I identify those needs and focus on them, not other subject areas.
What types of materials do you typically use during a tutoring session?
I use the internet, videos, models, specimens, etc., as needed.