Jonathan: Palos Heights tutor
Certified Tutor
I have a very strong drive to teach. Maybe this is because when I was younger, I wasn't a particularly good student. The interesting thing was that I loved learning. In any event, things changed and in my young adult years, I was lucky enough to teach at UCLA Extension for 7 years. I liked it very much. I ended up winning some awards and with much humility, I must say I'm very good at what I do. I hope I can help you.
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Undergraduate Degree: CW Post College - Bachelors, English
Graduate Degree: California Community Colleges - Masters, Theater
My current hobbies are playing piano, listening to music, and dancing. I also like building, creating, and finishing woodworking. Love to shop, too.
- Adult ESL/ELL
- Adult Literacy
- Audition Prep
- Creative Writing
- English
- ESL/ELL
- Essay Editing
- Other
- Public Speaking
- Theatre
- Writing
What is your teaching philosophy?
My philosophy is that, with proper instruction understanding and guidance, everyone can learn. We all have our own interesting and unique way of learning. My job is to find what inspires each student to learn.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
I would like to know who the person is that I'm helping; what do they want and expect after a session? In a sense, they have to teach me about them in order for me to help. I think talking with each other is a good beginning, and then I like to have them show me what they're having a problem with.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
I think imitating me would be a start. I've learned how to be independent, so if I could do it others can.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
I help a student stay motivated by being there with them and "nudging" them in the nicest way possible.
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
Keep trying! Look for better ways and methods; something will work.
How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?
By going through it step-by-step. We go through all the material slowly, methodically, and literally, but we have to have fun doing it. It is very important to have fun.