Elizabeth
Certified Tutor
I am currently a graduate student at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. I am getting a Ph.D in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. Previously, I received a bachelors degree from the University of Florida with a major in Biology and a minor in Entomology. Also in 2009, I completed the International Baccalaureate program so I am familiar and experience with the requirements (I went to an IB middle and high school). Throughout my career I have had much success with mentoring students. In the past 2 years I have personally mentored 4 students in how to be a effective research scientists (I taught things like proper lab techniques, basic biology/biochemistry, presentation skills, and how to apply science to the real world). All of my students have received awards for their outstanding performance. I love tutoring anything science related, especially biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, and more, but I am also strong in math. My tutoring philosophy is that no two students are alike so I like to mold my teaching style to match the student as best as I can.
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Undergraduate Degree: University of Florida - Bachelors, Biology, General
Graduate Degree: The University of Texas Medical Branch - PHD, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Volleyball, snowboarding, knitting, reading, Netflix
- Algebra
- Algebra 2
- Biology
- College Algebra
- College Biology
- Geometry
- Graduate Test Prep
- GRE Quantitative
- High School Biology
- IB Biology HL
- IB Biology SL
- IB Chemistry HL
- IB Chemistry SL
- IB Further Mathematics HL
- IB Mathematical Studies SL
- IB Mathematics HL
- IB Mathematics SL
- Life Sciences
- Math
- Microbiology
- Pre-Algebra
- Quantitative Reasoning
- Science
What is your teaching philosophy?
My philosophy is to cater my teaching style to the student. Find the method that works best for them and adjust myself to that.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
I would begin by getting to know the student a little bit better. I would try to find their strengths and weaknesses as to better understand where they need the most help.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
I would help a student stay motivated by positive reinforcement along with structured learning sessions (example: 20 min of learning followed by a 5 min break).
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
I can help a student become an independent learner by showing them some techniques and methods that successful learners use.
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
I would spend extra time on that concept. I would also try different ways to teach that topic, such as using a more hands-on technique.
How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?
To help with reading comprehension, I would begin by showing the student ways to read differently, to not specifically read to words, but to examine each part of the sentence and the meaning behind it.
What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?
I find that giving analogies and showing the student that the problem has real-world applications really helps with student understanding.
How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?
To engage a student, I would try to focus on the exciting aspects of that topic and how it applies directly to the student.
What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?
I would use a variety of techniques, many of which depend on the student and the way that they learn best. If a student is a visual learner, I would use visual aids to improve understanding.
How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?
Confidence is based on understanding and practice. My goal is to raise the student's confidence by ensuring their complete understanding of the topic at hand.
How do you evaluate a student's needs?
I evaluate the student's needs by asking them directly, practice problems, and getting to know their basic understanding of a topic.
How do you adapt your tutoring to the student's needs?
I adapt my tutoring based on the students needs. If they just need more practice, then I will work more problems with them. If it's understanding, then I'll try to come up with ways to explain the topic in a way that they can understand.
What types of materials do you typically use during a tutoring session?
Normally I would use a textbook, practice problems, and the Internet, but the materials needed are also dependent on the topic I am covering.