Kristina: Lawrence tutor
Certified Tutor
I am a current student at the University of Maryland. I was lucky enough to have great teachers that helped me excel at math in school, and because of them I developed a passion for it. I love to help my friends whenever they need math help, so I hope that I will be able to help many more students through Varsity Tutors!
Connect with a tutor like Kristina
Undergraduate Degree: University of Maryland-College Park - Current Undergrad, Communication
Soccer, Track
- Algebra
- Elementary School Math
- Geometry
- Math
- Middle School Math
- Pre-Algebra
What is your teaching philosophy?
I think the easiest way to learn is through visualization. So whenever I am explaining something to a student, I like to draw it out for to them to ensure they do not get lost, and they can visually see what I am talking about.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
I like to explain something to a student step by step, and then after a few examples I have them do it on their own. That helps me ensure that they are getting a good understanding, and it helps me weigh their progress.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
I would talk to the student, and introduce myself to them and have them do the same. Then I would get a feel for where they are academically, so I know exactly how to approach our sessions.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
Keep up to date with them, and compare any of their struggles to my own to ensure them that they can excel.
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
I would break it down for them step by step and have them visualize that specific skill or concept. I believe that the easiest way to learn is through visualization.
How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?
I would simplify a passage to make sure that the student understands each piece, and that will lead to them understanding how the passage works as a whole.
What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?
Explanation and simplification.
How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?
I would try to make it fun and apply the subject to everyday activities.
What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?
I would have a student do problems on their own after we have broken down similar examples together.
How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?
Practice, practice, practice.
How do you evaluate a student's needs?
I try to analyze the areas that they are struggling in. That helps me see what is and what is not working for a student, which in turn helps me cater to their needs.
What types of materials do you typically use during a tutoring session?
A lesson and practice problems.
How do you adapt your tutoring to the student's needs?
I make sure that what I am telling them actually makes sense. If not, I shape my teaching strategies into something that they will understand and enjoy.