Rachael
Certified Tutor
I believe there is a fine line between teaching and learning. I good teacher will learn from his/her student and vice versa. I also strive to create a comfortable and safe environment for my students, so they are not afraid to make mistakes, learn from their mistakes and take chances.
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Undergraduate Degree: University of Michigan-Flint - Bachelors, Music
Graduate Degree: Wayne State University - Masters, German
Travel, learning languages, hiking, reding
What is your teaching philosophy?
Having studied German, Russian and Mandarin, I have developed a true empathy with my students, and I understand their struggles and frustrations. I believe in working together as a team to overcome the obstacles.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
Get to know each other. This is so very important to establish a familiar and safe foundation for learning.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
By showing them how I've learned and studied languages. Teaching them techniques of how to learn.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
Display to them what they are doing right and what they have accomplished so far.
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
Slow down and take a step back. Look at the overall big picture. Then, methodically introduce each step clearly, and check for understanding before proceeding to the next step.
How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?
Find something that they want to know more about and/or teach them the lyrics to a song they like.
What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?
Listening. Really listening to what they have to say.
How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?
Show them some of the amazing things they will be able to do once the subject is conquered.
What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?
Concept checking questions.
How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?
Work with them on a project where they can see the fruits of their labor.
How do you evaluate a student's needs?
By constantly listening and assessing.
What types of materials do you typically use during a tutoring session?
A wide variety: realia, online sources, textbooks, etc.
How do you adapt your tutoring to the student's needs?
By thoroughly understanding what they want to achieve and adapting my teaching strategies accordingly.