Ivan
Certified Tutor
I have always had a passion for language learning. From exposure to German in Kindergarten to learning English upon moving to the United States, language learning has consistently been a part of my life. The love for learning foreign languages is something that I feel very passionately about and I am very eager to share this passion with all those that want to improve their skills or are just starting to dive into a new language.
Languages open the doors of opportunity. Not only for career benefits but to so many opportunities to share thoughts and ideas with people from different places around the world. Through the acquisition of new language skills, our eyes can be opened to a universe that, although may seem distant, is actually not all too different from our own.
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Undergraduate Degree: CUNY Hunter College - Current Undergrad, Economics
Language learning, climbing, skiiing, guitar, reading, museums, fishing, camping, hiking, cooking, economics, history, science, sports, nature.
What is your teaching philosophy?
Finding ways to find connections between the classroom and real life situations. When one is able to relate the two, only great things can happen from then on.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
Become aware of the student's desires for the class. And allow them to see that they already know more than they might think they do.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
Finding opportunities in their everyday life to put their skills to use.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
Set reasonable goals, acknowledge the efforts put into their work and ideally, find a support system within their community.
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
When we come across a bump on the road, it always helps to stop and take a few steps back and change the perspective of the student.
How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?
Helping them summarize the big ideas and break sentences down to smaller blocks.
What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?
To remind them that is OK not to get something on the first try. Practice and exposure to the language in daily situations.
How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?
Helping them see the bigger picture of how that particular skill will help them attain their goals. And remind them of the ultimate goal: fluency.
What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?
I am huge advocate of watching children's shows and movies in the language the student is trying to learn. This activity puts their skills into active use.
How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?
Allowing the student to focus on why and what exactly they wanted to learn in the first place. Remind them that is OK to make mistakes and reward a job well done with acknowledgment.
How do you evaluate a student's needs?
Asking questions. It is best to let the student express what concerns they have regarding their learning and what steps we can take to improve from that point on forward.
How do you adapt your tutoring to the student's needs?
Patiently understanding the student's level of comprehension and remind them of how far they have come.
What types of materials do you typically use during a tutoring session?
Any available resource. Typically like to use material the student has been provided with so he or she can stay on track with his or her class. I encourage the use of language learning apps.