
Bob
Certified Tutor
I am a provider of subject information, an encourager, a provider of examples, one who nudges you for your questions and then responds with a reply that will encourage you to dig deeper into the topic. My goal is to provide access to as much information as possible and light your desire to know more for you to achieve the level of success required by the subject at hand.
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Undergraduate Degree: Colorado Technical University-Online - Bachelors, BSBA - Information Technology
Graduate Degree: Liberty University - Masters, Religious Education
I am interested in Christian ministries, ethical management, educational research, writing, reading, entertaining, and when I can, sitting on the beach.
- ACCUPLACER Prep
- ACCUPLACER College-Level Math
- Adult ESL/ELL
- Adult Literacy
- Algebra
- Algebra 2
- AP English Language and Composition
- AP Human Geography
- AP Psychology
- AP US History
- Business
- Chemical Engineering
- College English
- Competition Math
- Computer Programming
- Computer Science
- Creative Writing
- Economics
- Elementary School
- Elementary School English
- Elementary School Math
- Elementary School Science
- Elementary School Writing
- Engineering
- English
- English Grammar and Syntax
- ESL/ELL
- Essay Editing
- Executive Functioning
- Expository Writing
- Geography
- Geometry
- High School English
- High School Level American History
- High School Level American Literature
- High School Political Science
- High School World History
- High School Writing
- History
- Human Geography
- IB Computer Science
- ISEE Prep
- ISEE- Lower Level
- Java
- Learning Differences
- Macroeconomics
- Math
- Microeconomics
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office
- Middle School Math
- Middle School Writing
- Other
- PC Basic Computer Skills
- Photoshop
- Political Science
- Pre-Algebra
- Productivity
- Programming Languages
- SAT Prep
- SAT Math
- SAT Reading
- SAT Writing and Language
- Science
- Social Sciences
- Social Studies
- SSAT Prep
- SSAT- Elementary Level
- Study Skills
- Study Skills and Organization
- Technology and Coding
- Test Prep
- World Civilization
- World History
- World Religions
- Writing
What is your teaching philosophy?
The role of teacher is best defined as facilitator, (one who provides the access to specific knowledge) and instructor (one who provides the keys to understanding the specific knowledge). In the online environment, there is little else that can be done. Open the virtual door to the 'classroom' and provide the subject information, offer encouragement, show examples, nudge the student for questions and respond with a reply that will encourage the student to dig deeper and maybe even learn more about the topic. Repeat the cycle as many times as necessary to provide the assistance that each student requires. The job of an online facilitator or instructor is not that of the traditional teacher that is forced by circumstances to chase learning into the heads of the students. The job of the facilitator/instructor is to provide the access to as much information as the student requires to achieve the level of knowledge required by the subject at hand. I receive great personal satisfaction as a provider of information. I get excited when there is evidence of learning from the information that is provided. I do get frustrated when there is a refusal to attempt to learn. I get more involved with the student that WANTS to acquire the information provided, they are the real reason that we exist. The wise students use us willingly, and all students need us to willingly be there for them. I enjoy being there when there is a need.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
I spend some of the allotted time getting to know the student and offering information about me as requested. We then explore the subject and seek to find the best place to begin for the student.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
Helping to become an independent learner is really how I understand what I do. I offer the information that is required, and then show the student how to acquire further information on the subject.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
Motivation is such a personal thing that it requires that the student and I to spend time talking and getting to know each other. Once there is a level of comfort felt by the student, then the motivational encouragement can begin with a real chance of success.
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
Repeat the instructions, and encourage the student to offer their thoughts on the subject in search of a common thread that can be used to assist the student in mastering that particular area.
How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?
Reading comprehension is an absolute must have skill for everyone. I try to find an analogy or other understandable area to compare the current reading with, so that the student can grasp the content.
What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?
The most successful strategy that I have found to usually work is when I treat the student as a human - not as a student.