Jordana
Certified Tutor
Undergraduate Degree: Elmhurst College - Bachelor in Arts, History/Communications
Graduate Degree: Loyola University-Chicago - Masters in Education, Elementary Education
ACT Composite: 31
ACT English: 34
ACT Reading: 33
Theater, color guard, reading, video games, nature walks
10th Grade Reading
10th Grade Writing
11th Grade Reading
11th Grade Writing
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 Reading
6th Grade Writing
7th Grade Reading
7th Grade Writing
8th Grade Reading
8th Grade Writing
9th Grade Reading
9th Grade Writing
Adult Literacy
American Literature
AP English Language and Composition
AP English Literature and Composition
British Literature
College English
College Level American Literature
College World History
Comparative Literature
Elementary School
Elementary School Math
Elementary School Reading
Elementary School Science
Elementary School Writing
Expository Writing
Fiction Writing
High School English
High School Level American Literature
High School World History
High School Writing
Introduction to Fiction
Middle School Reading
Middle School Reading Comprehension
Middle School Writing
Other
Persuasive Writing
Social Sciences
Study Skills
Study Skills and Organization
Summer
US History
Vocabulary
World Civilization
World History
World Literature
What is your teaching philosophy?
My philosophy is that education is most effective when learning is presented in authentic, engaging, and student-centered ways. Students learn the most when they actually experience the learning and build the knowledge themselves rather than being lectured from the front of the room. Every child is capable of learning. The role of the teacher is to find which methods of learning best engage his or her students and to modify instruction to provide as many experiential and inquiry-based units of study as possible. Student directed learning is key.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
In a typical first session, I will spend time getting to know the student and their unique needs. I like to go over work samples with the student to try to diagnose what areas need the most support. Additionally, I will make sure that I ask the student what he or she needs from me in order to make our sessions effective. I might bring along a fun learning activity to get the ball rolling depending on how much I know about the student and the student's needs prior to the first session.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
Students can become independent learners by becoming engaged and motivated within their current learning. I like to help students latch on to ideas that they find interesting and teach them how to branch out an acquire knowledge on their own. In subjects where the student expresses little interest, I like to present information in new and entertaining ways to hook the student on learning.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
Students can stay motivated by focusing on the little successes. If a student (and a teacher) is only focused on the end goal, he or she will quickly lose steam and give up along the way. Celebrating successes that occur along the way (e.g. figuring out how to do one step of a multi-step math problem) keeps the student motivated and focused and gives him or her the encouragement needed to keep working towards the end goal.
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
If a student is experiencing difficulty mastering a skill, I would find new ways to present the information. Sometimes the "traditional approach" does not mesh with an individual student's way of thinking and finding a new, individualized approach can help the information to sink in.