Alex
Certified Tutor
I love teaching and I love watching students learn. There are many different ways students learn and I like to engage the students using videos, art, readings, simulations and writing. Watching students finally grasp a concept is a joy like any other. I graduated from Brigham Young University-Idaho with a degree in History and a minor in Art. I recently just finished a Master's degree in Curriculum & Instruction through Concordia University. I have been teaching High School US History Regular/Honors for 3 years. This year I will be teaching AP US History. I have attended two week long conferences to better assist my AP Students. I have various AP Study materials, such as "5 Steps to a 5" flashcards, skillbooks and other tools to assist in writing and content knowledge.
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Undergraduate Degree: Brigham Young University-Idaho - Bachelors, History Education
Graduate Degree: Concordia University-Portland - Masters, Curriculum & Instruction
I love reading, bowling, eating and working out. I enjoy playing games and watching movies. In my spare time I also enjoy drawing.
- AP United States History
- AP US History
- Art History
- College English
- College Level American History
- English
- High School English
- High School Level American History
- History
- Public Speaking
- Social Studies
- US History
- Writing
What is your teaching philosophy?
I believe that each student is an individual who learns in his/her own way. Understanding and knowledge comes to each of us in its own time. I try to look for different ways to explain topics so that each student has an opportunity to understand and learn. In the wise words of Captain Jack Sparrow, "The problem is not the problem; the problem is your attitude about the problem."
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
I'd like to get to know the student, what their interests are outside of school, classes they enjoy in school, and how they learn best. Possibly administering a series of multiple intelligence's quizzes to gauge what the student would respond to.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
By introducing students to the different ways they could learn, the students will begin to approach different topics in a way that feels comfortable for them. Teaching them study skills and habits that will help them become life-long learners.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
I believe motivation comes from within. I can try to motivate the student to keep working and keep going, but in the end, the student needs to want to study and succeed. In my own class I show motivational videos on Mondays; we call them Motivational Mondays. Humor and music work well, as well as being able to connect to the students in ways they understand.
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
I'm going to try different ways of explaining the topic. Possibly using visuals, charts, graphs, maps, videos, music or readings to help the students understand. There are so many different ways to learn and understand; it’s my job to figure out how the student will understand the skill or concept.