Karen
Certified Tutor
I am a recent graduate of the University of California, Davis with a B.A.S. in Evolution, Ecology, and Biodiversity and Psychology. I love doing research with animals, which is why I interned in several projects during my stay at UCD. Besides my love for nature, I also enjoy math. It is the main subject I tutor in, and I find it very rewarding helping students understand different mathematical concepts. I have had previous experience in this subject with students from all grade levels. I also tutor in conversational Spanish, since I am fluent in Spanish. During my free time I enjoy knitting, reading, bird watching, and learning to play the clarinet (it's never too late).
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Undergraduate Degree: University of California-Davis - Bachelors, Evolution, Ecology, and BIodiversity
Knitting, reading, bird watching, music
- Algebra
- Algebra 2
- AP Psychology
- CAHSEE Mathematics
- College Algebra
- College Biology
- Conversational Spanish
- Elementary Algebra
- Elementary Math
- General Biology
- General Chemistry
- Geometry
- GRE Subject Test in Psychology
- High School Chemistry
- Languages
- Math
- Middle School Math
- Music Theory
- Pre-Algebra
- Pre-Calculus
- MCAT Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior
- Psychology
- SAT Subject Test in Spanish
- SAT Subject Test in Spanish with Listening
- Social Sciences
- Spanish
- Spanish 1
- Spanish 2
- Summer
- Trigonometry
- Zoology
What is your teaching philosophy?
All students can learn, regardless of their current education level. I believe in fostering a positive learning environment and encouraging the student to participate. By motivating the student, they are more likely to persevere and foster independent learning.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
I will administer a short pretest in order to grasp what concepts the student is able to understand, what they need help in, and what they have not learned based on their current grade level. I will also ask a few questions about what they are currently learning in school and what they believe they need help in.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
I will encourage them to think out loud and go through steps one by one, providing assistance whenever the student is stuck or needs reassurance. Going through examples will also help in providing a template. By doing so, the student will learn methods that they can implement when learning on their own.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
I would provide encouragement and a positive learning environment, congratulating the student for their hard work and not just for arriving at the correct answer. I will keep a positive attitude towards the student and will make sure the student feels comfortable making mistakes, which is an important part of the learning process.
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
I would break down the concept into smaller steps and go through them one by one. I would then set out examples and go through them, and then have the student go through a few problems on their own. By practicing more problems, the student will gain a better grasp until it becomes second nature.
What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?
I would ask the student to explain their thinking while going through a problem. If they are able to understand the material, they should be able to explain themselves with ease. Giving them a short quiz on the concept at hand will also give me an insight on how well the student understands the material.
What types of materials do you typically use during a tutoring session?
Typically I use worksheets that are available online. I also use worksheets and homework that is provided to me by the student. I might also make problems of my own, depending on the student's ability to grasp the concept.