Delia: Berwyn tutor
Certified Tutor
Having tutored, coached, and taught in both a middle and high school, my goal is to help students achieve at all levels. I have a strong understanding of how to work with students of all ages, and I enjoy making connections with young people. I believe my education and experiences boosted my skills in working with students and allow me to have successful interactions with students both inside and outside the classroom. I enjoy working with students of all ages and look forward to getting to know and help students as much as possible!
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Undergraduate Degree: University of Virginia-Main Campus - Bachelors, Engineering Science
Coaching soccer, reading, volunteering
What is your teaching philosophy?
All students learn differently. Coaching soccer, tutoring, and teaching in both a middle and high school has allowed me to learn that adjustments should be made on a case by case basis in order to ensure the student achieves at the highest level.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
I would get to know the student by asking them what their interests are and how (if they know) he or she learns best, whether it be visually, verbally, musically, etc. I would also share a little information about me with the student and try and find some things we have in common.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
Helping the student hone in on their study skills and determine how they learn best would allow the student to learn independently.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
There are many ways to keep students motivated. The easiest way is physical rewards, however the best way in my opinion is examples of success. Showing a student examples of those who stay motivated by school, sports, etc. is a good way to keep a student engaged and driven.
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
If a student experiences any difficulty, I find it best to start "from the beginning" of the concept or skill. Sometimes explaining the background and purpose of a concept or skill allows the student to see its value and connect with the topic.
How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?
Step by step comprehension explanation is the best way to help students who struggle with reading. Making outside connections with the material, and contrasting and comparing the material to the student’s life can also be helpful.
What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?
In order to be successful when starting to work with a student, the first strategy I apply is making a personal connection and getting to know the student's learning style. Next, I would discuss the student's goals and history of learning. Then, I would assess the student's level of comfort with the material. By this point I should be able to figure out a way to be most successful with the student
How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?
Relating the material to the student's life or real world experiences is a good way to help students stay engaged in a subject in which he or she experiences difficulty.
How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?
Encouragement and positive reinforcement are the best ways to build a student's confidence. Letting them know it is acceptable to make mistakes as long as they can learn from them is a key in keeping the student's confidence at a high level.
How do you evaluate a student's needs?
I evaluate a student's needs by assessing prior success in the subject, the student's comfort level, and the student's learning style.
How do you adapt your tutoring to the student's needs?
The student's grade level, learning speed, and comfort with the material will help me determine the student's needs. Having worked with students from grades 6-12, I am able to be flexible and give the students the type of tutoring they will respond to best.
What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?
Periodic assessments, outside of the of student's homework, quizzes, and tests are useful in reinforcing material. I typically make up questions and have the student answer them throughout the session to see if they can remember what they've learned even if that's not the topic being focused on at the moment.
What types of materials do you typically use during a tutoring session?
It depends on the subject I'm tutoring.