Ana: Chester County tutor
Certified Tutor
I believe in a learner-centered approach to teaching, wherein the student's needs are the focus of all educational activities. In order to transform information into knowledge, a learner needs to make sense of facts; in this way, the learner builds on his/her knowledge in a way that is applicable, meaningful, and useful.
I also think that all children deserve the opportunity to learn in a nurturing, safe environment, where they are valued and cherished- regardless of cognitive ability.
I have spent the majority of my life learning about different subjects that interested me. As a young girl, I dreamed about the day when I could be fluent in the English language; I worked very hard toward that goal. As I grew older, my objectives shifted, but my joy for learning never ceased.
I have worked with students with disabilities and behavior differences, and I can honestly say that I learned life's best lessons while working with them!
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Undergraduate Degree: Montclair State University - Bachelors, Computer Science
Graduate Degree: The University of Kansas - Masters, Education
cooking, reading, walking, and exercising.
- College English
- Conversational Spanish
- Elementary Math
- Elementary School Math
- English
- High School English
- Languages
- Math
- Middle School Math
- Other
- Reading
- Spanish
- Spanish 1
- Spanish 2
- Spanish 3
- Spanish 4
- Special Education
What is your teaching philosophy?
My teaching philosophy is that all students can learn given appropriate teaching methods. I meet all my students where they are- at their "actual performance" level. My students and I will identify areas of strength, which we can use to move forward and obtain "optimal performance."
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
I find out the student's preferences and interests. I always have a visual schedule which is reviewed at the beginning of the session. In this way, the student knows what to expect during our time together.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
In order to build independence, I provide appropriate and necessary feedback while letting the student attempt tasks independently.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
I help students stay motivated by offering positive feedback and reinforcement.
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
I would break down the concept into workable steps (chunking).
How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?
By having the student analyze each sentence and the context in which it is embedded. I would elicit questions and provide support when needed.
What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?
Getting to know the student first, and understanding when they approach their frustration limit.
How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?
By celebrating the accomplishments and celebrating their milestones.
What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?
By asking the student to demonstrate knowledge- either orally, in written form or their preferred medium.
How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?
Constant reassurance and positive feedback.
How do you evaluate a student's needs?
By interviewing parents or guardians, reviewing school records, or providing assessments.
How do you adapt your tutoring to the student's needs?
By assessing their level of performance and their tolerance levels, providing breaks as needed, and checking for understanding.
What types of materials do you typically use during a tutoring session?
Visual supports, educational games and quizzes.