Nikki
Certified Tutor
I am a senior in the Mechanical Engineering Department at Eastern Michigan University, and I have been tutoring for about five years, from middle school to early college age students. My hobbies are painting/drawing, playing piano and guitar, and playing with my pet rats and my cat!
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Undergraduate Degree: Eastern Michigan University - Current Undergrad, Mechanical Engineering
- ACT Composite: 32
- ACT Math: 36
- ACT Reading: 32
Animals, Music, Playing piano and Guitar, Art, Math and Reading
- 10th Grade
- 10th Grade Math
- 10th Grade Reading
- 10th Grade Writing
- 11th Grade
- 11th Grade Math
- 11th Grade Reading
- 11th Grade Writing
- 12th Grade
- 12th Grade Math
- 12th Grade Reading
- 12th Grade Writing
- 1st Grade
- 1st Grade Math
- 1st Grade Reading
- 1st Grade Writing
- 2nd Grade
- 2nd Grade Math
- 2nd Grade Reading
- 2nd Grade Writing
- 3rd Grade
- 3rd Grade Math
- 3rd Grade Reading
- 3rd Grade Science
- 3rd Grade Writing
- 4th Grade
- 4th Grade Math
- 4th Grade Reading
- 4th Grade Science
- 4th Grade Writing
- 5th Grade
- 5th Grade Math
- 5th Grade Reading
- 5th Grade Science
- 5th Grade Writing
- 6th Grade
- 6th Grade Math
- 6th Grade Reading
- 6th Grade Science
- 6th Grade Writing
- 7th Grade
- 7th Grade Math
- 7th Grade Reading
- 7th Grade Science
- 7th Grade Writing
- 8th Grade
- 8th Grade Math
- 8th Grade Reading
- 8th Grade Science
- 8th Grade Writing
- 9th Grade
- 9th Grade Math
- 9th Grade Reading
- 9th Grade Writing
- ACT English
- ACT Math
- ACT Reading
- ACT Writing
- Adult Literacy
- Advanced Placement Prep
- Algebra
- Algebra 2
- AP
- AP Music Theory
- AP Studio Art
- Applied Mathematics
- Arithmetic
- Art History
- College Algebra
- Comparative Literature
- Creative Writing
- Drawing
- Elementary Algebra
- Elementary School
- Elementary School Math
- Elementary School Reading
- Elementary School Science
- Elementary School Writing
- Engineering
- Geometry
- High School
- High School Chemistry
- High School English
- High School Writing
- Homework Support
- Intermediate Algebra
- Introduction to Fiction
- Literature
- Math
- Mechanical Engineering
- Medieval Literature
- Middle School
- Middle School Math
- Middle School Reading
- Middle School Science
- Middle School Writing
- Music Theory
- Other
- Painting
- Persuasive Writing
- Piano
- Poetry
- Poetry Writing
- Pre-Algebra
- Printmaking
- Science
- Statics
- Study Skills
- Study Skills and Organization
- Summer
- Technical Writing
- Test Prep
- Vocabulary
What is your teaching philosophy?
I strive to work with every one of my students to build on their knowledge of topics, so that they have a full understanding of whatever subject we are working on. I use various teaching methods to ensure that my students learn the subject completely.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
In a typical first session, I will cover some basic materials with the students, leading up to more complex subjects, to get an idea of where they are in their current knowledge. Then, I will build on the foundation that they currently have in the next sessions.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
I will teach my students important skills to help them study on their own, so that they can continue to learn even when I am not around.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
I would use different learning materials until I found something that interested them. For example, I would use models, or visuals instead of lectures for some students, and vice versa.
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
Try a different approach in explaining it to them.
How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?
Practice reading a lot of material, and going over it together. I especially like to have students read out-loud.
How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?
I approach subjects very enthusiastically myself, which often helps students get excited. I also use snacks sometimes, or educational games.
What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?
I would have the students work out problems and explain, step-by-step, what they are doing. This way, I can follow along and make sure that they understand the logic behind the answer.
How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?
I provide praise and acknowledgment when my students excel in a subject, and help them with constructive comments when they are struggling. I also remain positive myself, which helps them keep a positive attitude.
How do you evaluate a student's needs?
I use worksheets and practice problems, as well as just through conversation. I sit down with my students and ask them what they think they are doing well in and what they feel they are struggling in.
How do you adapt your tutoring to the student's needs?
I typically combine lecture with practice problems, and sometimes even additional problems for the student to work on when I am gone. If a student is responding well to something, I will do more of that. If a student dislikes something I am doing, for example, lecturing, I will do less of that.
What types of materials do you typically use during a tutoring session?
Depending on the subject, I will typically get a textbook and a workbook with problems. I also sometimes use games to build cognitive functions.
What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?
I have found that working through actual problems tends to be the most successful with students.