Becky: Petaluma tutor
Certified Tutor
I have a BS in Mathematics Education and am a state-certified teacher. My experience includes tutoring for 18 years as well as 6 years teaching in the classroom. I love teaching Algebra! I believe in making the subject interesting by making it understandable. This is my specialty. I am happy to "pre-teach" lessons, review skills, and remediate when necessary for success in and out of the classroom. I am available for online lessons and will encourage students in a safe, positive, one-on-one environment.
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Undergraduate Degree: Bob Jones University - Bachelors, Mathematics Education
I love to learn new things! Currently I am learning more about the equine world, specifically ponies and miniature donkeys. Recently our family acquired several animals, and the interaction with these has been a wonderful experience. I am also a pianist and classical music enthusiast.
- Algebra
- Arithmetic
- Elementary Math
- Elementary School Math
- Math
- Middle School Math
- Pre-Algebra
What is your teaching philosophy?
The goal of teaching is learning. Since every student learns in a unique way, teaching varies depending on the individual. I try to assess the needs and learning styles of the individual and meet those specific needs through my instruction.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
I would take a few minutes to get to know the student by asking general questions as well as math questions. Then I would begin by backing up in the subject to see what content the student had already mastered and what part of the content needed focused attention. My lesson would begin from the point of need.
What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?
Building confidence through success (even small successes) is really significant when tutoring students. I believe that when a student is successful they are more motivated to continue to achieve. Breaking the material into manageable pieces for a student helps them to find success quickly, and then they are motivated to learn more.
How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?
Again I would break the material into manageable pieces so that the student finds success and works toward mastery. This motivates them to keep going.
What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?
I ask lots of questions and require the student to demonstrate competency in the subject area.
How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?
I build a student's confidence by helping him or her be successful in math. Sometimes this is done in small steps. Other times there is a "learning snag" that needs to be fixed, and then the student is on his/her way!
How do you evaluate a student's needs?
I give sample problems and ask questions to determine a student's needs. If I am given the results from prior assessments, this helps me with my evaluation as well.
How do you adapt your tutoring to the student's needs?
I find out what specific needs the student has and his/her personal learning styles and adjust my teaching to this data.
What types of materials do you typically use during a tutoring session?
If possible, I like to use visuals and hands-on manipulatives. For example, recently I was teaching surface area and used geometric solids to help the student understand the shapes. I also like to use drawings and examples as part of my explanations.