Alison: Harrow tutor
Certified Tutor
BAs in art history and anthropology from Brown University.
MPA (public admin) from Troy State University (while running an overseas program for NATO personnel).
PhD in botany from Duke University.
Gemology credentials from GIA.
I write fiction and am interested in a MFA or MS in publishing. Always a student!
I have tutored classroom (college) and online (HS) courses in math (e.g. algebra), botany, biology, physical, environmental, and life science.
I also have experience with remedial English and ESL. In addition to science, I would like to tutor writing and English courses.
Although I am progress driven, I also have a sense of humor. I love to laugh.
I am interested in reading, writing, gems and minerals, nature, travel, and hiking. I love animals.
Connect with a tutor like Alison
Undergraduate Degree: Brown University - Bachelors, Art History/Anthropology
Graduate Degree: Duke University - PHD, Botany
Writing, minerals and gems, hiking, nature.
- Algebra
- Algebra 2
- Arithmetic
- Biology
- College Algebra
- College Biology
- College Essays
- Earth Science
- Ecology
- Environmental Science
- ESL/ELL
- Essay Editing
- High School Biology
- Homework Support
- Life Sciences
- Math
- Middle School Math
- Pre-Algebra
- Science
- Study Skills and Organization
- Writing
What is your teaching philosophy?
Anyone can learn anything if they are given the proper tools and if they are patient with themselves in the process.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
Chat a bit to find out their thoughts. Discuss the best way forward and then GET STARTED!
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
Good study habits are something that can be learned. I demonstrate them by working along with the student.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
By understanding and accepting their level of interest in a subject.
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
Repeat and repeat again in a new way. Stay patient.
How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?
By reading something familiar, relevant, and/or interesting to them.
What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?
Progress accounts for everything. Praise is helpful too.
How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?
I don't think students are required to be excited about all courses. I think they appreciate the fact that I think this.
What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?
Review and relaxed testing.
How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?
Review and repetition.
How do you evaluate a student's needs?
Going through their current homework to see what they can and cannot do. Ask their parents/teachers.
How do you adapt your tutoring to the student's needs?
I adapt to their level of learning and comprehension as well as their personality and approach to learning.
What types of materials do you typically use during a tutoring session?
I use the student's own homework and textbooks or other course materials. I like to use the student's materials for several reasons.