Zach
Certified Tutor
I am a Yale University Berkeley College graduate of the Yale Class of 2012 with an Intensive B.S. in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology. Eager for tutoring opportunities, I welcome any of you who wishes to undergo SAT/PSAT or ACT Test Preparation that will get you the scores you need for admission to the college of your choice. As for my experience, I have tutoring experience in both one-to-one settings, going as far back as high school, and group/classroom settings, especially from my 4 years of tutoring with Yale MATHCOUNTS. As a likely future graduate student myself, it is my general goal in life to continue the tradition of passing forth knowledge. Not surprisingly, I have always considered tutoring and education among the most noble of professions where both parties, student and teacher, benefit and learn. What makes me an excellent tutor? Over the course of my life I have had the good fortune of cultivating a variety and number of skill sets, some of which are academic and social in nature. While I certainly consider academic prowess important for the success of any instructor, I would say the most important skill set I have developed is that of adaptability. If a tutor can adapt him/herself to the mode and manner of thinking of another, the tutor, as well as the tutor's audience, will have especially effective and enriching transactions.
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Undergraduate Degree: Yale University - Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
- SAT Composite (1600 scale): 1590
- SAT Math: 800
- SAT Verbal: 770
- SAT Writing: 800
Journaling, computers, Java programming, photography, picture collaging, reading (especially Science and Mind literature), talking, and favorite television shows
- ACT Prep
- ACT English
- ACT Math
- ACT Reading
- ACT Science
- ACT Writing
- Admissions
- Algebra
- CogAT Prep
- College Application Essays
- College Essays
- College Math
- Elementary School English
- Elementary School Reading
- English
- English Grammar and Syntax
- Essay Editing
- Geometry
- Languages
- Latin 1
- Math
- Middle School Math
- Middle School Reading Comprehension
- Other
- Pre-Algebra
- Pre-Calculus
- PSAT Prep
- PSAT Critical Reading
- PSAT Mathematics
- PSAT Writing Skills
- Reading
- SAT Prep
- SAT Math
- SAT Mathematics
- SAT Reading
- SAT Writing and Language
- Study Skills
- Study Skills and Organization
- Test Prep
- Writing
What is your teaching philosophy?
Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime. Chinese Proverb
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
In a typical first session, a student and I would get to know each other and the student's concerns regarding the subject matter.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
I can teach students to become independent students by teaching them HOW to learn to begin with. Those first principles are invaluable across disciplines.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
It's important to make learning fun. When we see how what we're learning relates to our own lives and interests, learning becomes fun and something we look forward to.
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
When difficulty learning a skill or concept comes up, the opportunity to approach that same skill from a different angle or vantage point presents itself as well. Sometimes just looking at something from a different perspective makes all the difference in learning.
How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?
Admittedly, I was one of those people who struggled with Critical Reading and Reading Comprehension growing up. However, I overcame those struggles and know from my own personal experience the very mental road blocks that prevent people from realizing their Critical Reading and Reading Comprehension potential.
What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?
The Basics. It is always crucial to check a student's understanding of starting principles so that we can build on up from there.
How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?
People enjoy the things they excel in and, unfortunately, our struggles with subjects sometimes reinforce our dislike of those subjects. Once a student learns the skills and mindset necessary to do well in a subject, they may be surprised to see that they actually enjoy the subject.
What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?
It is one thing to be taught, but it is another thing to actually do. As a tutor, I would teach students the relevant mindsets and approaches for a given topic, but I would also give them numerous opportunities to solve and answer questions for themselves.
How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?
Once a student starts to do well and see progress, his/her confidence skyrockets.
How do you evaluate a student's needs?
Trial and Error. Sometimes we have to see how things go and feel things out so that we can best evaluate and understand a student's individual needs.
How do you adapt your tutoring to the student's needs?
It is important to adjust one's manner of tutoring to a student's level of understanding of a given topic.
What types of materials do you typically use during a tutoring session?
Pen, paper, and pencil. Those are the biggies, but color also adds some fun. So, don't be surprised if I bring multicolored highlighters and pens!