Chris
Certified Tutor
I am a graduate of the University of Florida- Go Gators! I received my Bachelor of Science in December 2009, majoring in Animal Sciences- Animal Biology. I worked for a few years at an internationally accredited guide dog school before returning to the University of Florida for graduate school. I am currently finishing writing my thesis and will have my Master of Science in Animal Sciences in May 2016. During my graduate career, I had the opportunity to serve as a mentor to local grade students and assisted with their homework and class assignments. I also taught a physiology and endocrinology class to undergraduate college students. Both of these experiences were extremely rewarding and my favorite part of my job was the one on one interaction with students after class and during office hours. I have a true passion for teaching and learning that I love passing on to my students. My teaching strategy is to create lessons based on the individual student's learning style and strengths. Relating examples and practice problems to a student's personal interests and hobbies will engage the student and make learning fun! My favorite subjects to tutor are math, reading, and science. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, spending time outside with my dog, and watching college football.
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Undergraduate Degree: University of Florida - Bachelors, Animal Sciences
Graduate Degree: University of Florida - Masters, Animal Sciences
reading, traveling, spending time outdoors with my dog, college football, baseball
- 10th Grade
- 10th Grade Math
- 11th Grade
- 11th Grade Math
- 12th Grade
- 12th Grade Math
- 1st Grade
- 1st Grade Math
- 2nd Grade
- 2nd Grade Math
- 3rd Grade
- 4th Grade
- 5th Grade
- 6th Grade
- 6th Grade Math
- 7th Grade
- 7th Grade Math
- 7th Grade Science
- 8th Grade
- 8th Grade Math
- 8th Grade Science
- 9th Grade
- 9th Grade Math
- Agricultural Science
- Algebra
- Biology
- College Biology
- Elementary School
- Elementary School Math
- General Biology
- Geometry
- High School
- High School Biology
- High School Chemistry
- Life Sciences
- Math
- Middle School
- Middle School Math
- Middle School Science
- Pre-Algebra
- PSAT Prep
- Science
- Zoology
What is your teaching philosophy?
Learning should be fun! I enjoy teaching students using real life examples, scenarios, and study tips while tailoring each lesson to the individual learning style of that particular student so that every student has the ability to succeed.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
In a first session, I would get to know the student's learning type and study habits so I can create a tutoring plan that works with the student's strengths.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
I can show students study techniques, tricks, and tips that can be used while studying alone.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
Students stay motivated when the material is interesting. Any subject can be related back to real world scenarios or tutoring sessions can be tailored to include practice problems related to the student's hobbies and interests.
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
I would explain the concept in different ways and approach the problem from different directions using various examples until the student grasps it. I would work with the student to pinpoint exactly what was unclear and we would work on that until the student felt 100% comfortable with the concept.
How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?
I would show the student that taking your time while reading helps reinforce the material. It is helpful to pause at the end of each page or paragraph and ask yourself, "What did I just read?" or "What just happened in this story?”
How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?
Relating a subject back to the student's personal interests and hobbies always makes the subject more exciting. To engage a student, I would involve the student in the tutoring session. Lecturing students without having them participate often bores them.
What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?
I would ask the student questions or have them solve problems to be sure the material is clear. I would also have the student explain the topic to me so the student feels confident in the material.
How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?
Small victories and verbal praise build confidence. Giving the student practice questions or problems and celebrating correct answers would help a student feel confident in a subject.
How do you evaluate a student's needs?
I ask the student to tell me what they need. I also evaluate their grasp of the concept based on asking questions or giving the student practice problems.
What types of materials do you typically use during a tutoring session?
I like to use a small white board, flashcards, highlighters, textbooks, and online videos or resources.
How do you adapt your tutoring to the student's needs?
If a student learns visually, we will draw pictures or diagrams and watch online videos explaining concepts. If a student is an auditory learner, we will discuss concepts and sample problems. If a student is a kinesthetic learner, we will write things down and take a hands-on approach. A mixture of these methods can also be used.
What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?
Conversation is key. I like having open dialogue with students instead of just lecturing them. I also like learning about my student's hobbies and interests so I can make examples or practice problems personal if necessary.