Lynn
Certified Tutor
I am a graduate of the University of Central Missouri, with a BS in Actuarial Science and Mathematics. I had the wonderful opportunity of tutoring Math throughout college, as well as GED prep classes with a women's rehabilitation center for inmates wanting to obtain their GED before re-entering into society. I have taught students ranging in all races, classes, and ages, and find fun and interesting ways to reach each student according to their individual needs. There's nothing like watching the "light go on" when students grasp a new concept. I am currently going back to school, pursuing a Doctorate in Oriental Medicine to continue my path of aiding others in reaching an overall sense of well-being in mind, body, and spirit.
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Undergraduate Degree: University of Central Missouri - Bachelors, Actuarial Science & Mathematics
I enjoy "coffee talk" with good friends, reading, writing, music. I also knit and make jewelry in my "spare" time.
- Algebra
- GED Prep
- Math
- Middle School Math
- Pre-Algebra
- Study Skills and Organization
What is your teaching philosophy?
I help students apply each academic concept to a real-world problem to enhance the student's capability to not only remember the information for class homework and tests, but to also fully digest and retain the concepts for future problem solving.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
I will ask some basic questions to help establish the student's current standing in their coursework, lay out a preferred style of learning, and clarify what the student hopes to achieve through our sessions.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
I encourage independence by asking the students questions, and giving hints to help answer if they are stuck, but rarely ever directly GIVING the exact answer to the problem at hand.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
We all have our own reasons and motivations behind pursuing any task. As an educator, I help students find what they really want--short term, long term--and show them how their education is important in achieving those goals.
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
When one approach of teaching isn't getting through to a student, its time to find another approach. I would take a short break, maybe look at another subject for a moment, then regroup and try to approach the subject from another angle.
How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?
We take it slow. Many times, struggles in reading come from "skimming" through material, or not paying attention while letting the eyes follow the words. If there is difficulty in the vocabulary, then looking up words in the dictionary may help the comprehension of the overall sentence structure.
What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?
Let the student lead by listening and paying attention to the flow of work, and allowing them the opportunity to share with me their strengths and weaknesses. If a student is a little more reserved, I can jump in and help guide them.
How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?
To increase enthusiasm for those "dreaded" subjects, I would try to relate the subject to something in which the student DOES have interest. Many times it only takes a new idea or image to create a new perspective with excitement.
What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?
I will ask the student to explain the concept to me or walk me through their work. Once a subject matter can be taught, the student has usually reached a level of understanding that will bring them success.
How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?
Confidence is built through wins, no matter how big or small. When a student is working with a subject that they are not comfortable with, I start small and work with them to accomplish one little win at a time.
How do you evaluate a student's needs?
Students' needs can be evaluated through asking, listening, and paying attention during a tutoring session. Preliminary "assessments" can be given to students as well, for a starting point.
How do you adapt your tutoring to the student's needs?
Some students have a greater need than others. This can be recognized during the tutoring session, with the response from the student. Whether the student is progressing quickly or more slowly, I will move at the rate of the student, encouraging growth and progress with each session.
What types of materials do you typically use during a tutoring session?
Worksheets, textbooks, online material and websites will all help supplement the tutoring session.