James
Certified Tutor
I am a Highly Qualified High School Math Teacher. I currently teach Pre-Calculus and Geometry. In the past I have taught Algebra and Pre-Algebra. My students often say that they have disliked math in the past, but they have changed their view, and my class is one of their favorites.
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Undergraduate Degree: University of North Carolina at Wilmington - Bachelors, Psychology
Graduate Degree: City College of New York - Masters, Education
In my free time I enjoy: traveling, cycling, watching movies, listening to music, and spending time with family.
- Algebra
- Algebra 2
- Elementary School Math
- Geometry
- Math
- Middle School Math
- Pre-Algebra
What is your teaching philosophy?
I believe that every student can learn, no matter their learning style. It is just a matter of finding a way to connect to your style.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
Introduce myself and my talk about my experience. Talk to them and figure out what they already know, and what they would like to work on (what they think they struggle with). Get their feelings about math in general.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
As we work together, my students become more and more confident. Eventually, they can analyze a problem and answer it on their own.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
By making sure that they understand the current material. I always make my students feel successful, which in turn, increases their level of motivation.
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
Since students learn in many different ways, I will approach the problem from many different directions, to address the many different learning styles. I also won't move on until the student has an understanding of the concept.
How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?
I help them with identifying key words in the reading. In math, there are always key words in word problems that immediately let you know what type of problem it is, and what would be the best method to solve it.
What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?
Finding something that makes them feel successful. Once their confidence is boosted, it is much easier for them to try new things and move forward through the content.
How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?
I find something that they are good at to increase their confidence. This gets them excited about the subject. My struggling students now say, "This class is so cool!" or "I love math!"
What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?
Not only do I use repetition; I approach the question from different angles. I let them see the question in different forms until they see one that makes sense to them.
How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?
I start off with what they know, and then I slowly increase the difficulty level. This keeps them confident throughout the entire lesson.
How do you evaluate a student's needs?
I use verbal and written diagnostics that let me know how comfortable the student is with the current material. I also talk to a student and let them tell me about their strengths and weaknesses.
How do you adapt your tutoring to the student's needs?
I use differentiation constantly, and I will apply many different teaching methods/approaches until I can get through to the student. I also won't move on until the student is comfortable.
What types of materials do you typically use during a tutoring session?
I often use self-made problems that fit to the student's needs, I'll use white boards, online resources, and even text books if necessary.