Denise: Lincoln Park tutor
Certified Tutor
I have had the privilege to have been in education for over 40 years. I love kids and working with them to reach their full potential is a blessing. Having been in the classroom as a teacher, as well as having been in administration as a principal, I see the challenges students face today. I taught classes for students in time management and study skills to give them the necessary tools to succeed. I homeschooled my kids and understand the challenges parents face in helping their children with their educational needs. My experience in working one on one with a student gives me the knowledge to help each one with their unique needs.
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Undergraduate Degree: Pacific Coast Baptist Bible College - Associates, Education
I like to go see new things with my family. I like to read and crochet. I also enjoy scrapbooking. I like to play basketball and volleyball for fun.
- Arithmetic
- College English
- College Geography
- Comparative Literature
- Elementary Math
- Elementary School Math
- Elementary School Reading
- Elementary School Writing
- English
- Geography
- High School English
- High School Geography
- Homeschool
- Homework Support
- ISEE Prep
- ISEE- Lower Level
- ISEE- Middle Level
- Languages
- Latin 1
- Literature
- Math
- Middle School Math
- Middle School Reading
- Middle School Reading Comprehension
- Middle School Science
- Middle School Writing
- Other
- Phonics
- Pre-Algebra
- Public Speaking
- Reading
- Science
- Social Studies
- SSAT Prep
- SSAT- Elementary Level
- SSAT- Middle Level
- STAAR Grades 3-8 Prep
- Study Skills
- Study Skills and Organization
- Test Prep
- Writing
What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?
Learning how they learn. Engaging in their interests. Repetitive work is a great way to begin. Using music and movement helps break down walls as well.
How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?
Find out what their interests are and find a way to incorporate the material. For example, if a young man is struggling in geometry but has an interest in basketball, use the basketball court as your plane surface, and so on.
What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?
Well, besides written assessments, there are oral and engaging assessments as well. I would use a variety of these and more to gauge understanding.
How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?
Give them little successes first to build confidence. Be sure they understand the material before giving them an assessment of it so they feel confident in their own knowledge.
How do you evaluate a student's needs?
Begin the conversation. Just start talking and things will come out, like how they feel about a certain subject. Then you know how much you need to engage them in this knowledge by incorporating it into their interests.
How do you adapt your tutoring to the student's needs?
Teach the student, not the material. Teach for knowledge, not the assessment. Teach with variety, not monotony.
What is your teaching philosophy?
As a teacher, I am responsible for giving out the information that will reach all learning styles. Each lesson plan should reflect this. I am to be aware of how my teaching is being received, and change it as needed. Knowledge should be engaging, not static.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
Begin the conversation. Find out what their interests are and how I can apply them to the knowledge they need. I would want them to be comfortable with me as well, so we can have an engaging conversation from both sides. I would also attempt to discover how they learn.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
Take a student to the edge of the cliff of knowledge and leave them there. They will jump off to learn more about the subject you have interested them in.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
Find out what motivates them. Each individual is different in why they do what they do, so find out their "why." Bring it up often and keep it in focus.
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
duplicate
How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?
Teach them how to break down a paragraph. Help them role play to put themselves in the information or story. Increase vocabulary skills.