Kristin
Certified Tutor
I am a certified Biology Teacher from Fort Myers, FL. I have always loved teaching and getting to know my students. I enjoy everything there is to know about the wonders of science. My specialties are Biology, Ecology, Anatomy, and Genetics. I also work with younger children, helping them with their foundations to better learn in the classroom.
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Undergraduate Degree: Florida Gulf Coast University - Bachelors, Secondary Biology Education
Science, Outdoor Activities, Movies, Animal Lover
What is your teaching philosophy?
Hands-on learning and learning through exploration help solidify content material.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
I would speak with the student and examine his/her strengths and weaknesses. Talk with them about where they need help, whether it's homework, study skills, organization...etc. Then, we will map out what achievement looks like for this student and how I can help him/her meet those goals.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
I try to not give the answers to a question instantly. I ask leading questions to help guide the student to the correct answer. By doing so, they can retain the information better, leading to higher overall learning.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
It's easy to get discouraged when you are struggling with a concept. I would assure them that they will get there, and it's okay to not know the answer right off the bat. In my experience, people, especially students, want to go into something thinking they know all about it and don't want to admit they need help. I have always assured my students that it is okay if they don't know it now. If they keep trying and working at it, it'll become clearer.
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
I will assess the reasons why they are having difficulty. Some students know the concept, but hesitate and overthink the question or task at hand. Once I've done that, I will help him/her by going over what he/she already knows then build from there.
How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?
I would have them go slowly and at the pace that they need. We would work together on vocabulary and reading to help with the concepts. Practice makes perfect.
What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?
Good communication is key on both the educator's side and the student's side. If I don't know what the student needs help with then I can't do my job as an educator. If I don't communicate clearly what my expectations are, then the student will have difficulty.
How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?
I always believe in hands-on learning and learning through experience. I would come up with activities or some kind of hands-on activity to help facilitate learning and get him/her excited.
What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?
If the student can tell or show me the concept from beginning to end in his/her own way and can answer higher level questions that require critical thinking, then I am sure that he/she understands the material.
How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?
It begins with understanding what he/she likes and dislikes about the subject. I also find out his/her best way of learning and incorporate those types of strategies as much as possible.
How do you evaluate a student's needs?
The first session is key in finding out more about the student and what is needed. I also am very good at picking up on needs that the student may not even know they have and address it if and when I see it.
How do you adapt your tutoring to the student's needs?
Every student is different and I figure out how that student learns best and try to adapt my tutoring to the needs that have been assessed.
What types of materials do you typically use during a tutoring session?
I will want the student to bring his/her textbook, class notes, writing utensil, paper, and possibly a class agenda for us to go over every session. I will be bringing the same materials, plus my laptop if I ever need to access videos or other learning materials.