Nelly
Certified Tutor
Undergraduate Degree: University of Washington - Bachelor of Science, General Biology
Reading, knitting, swimming, soccer
Anatomy & Physiology
College Biology
College Chemistry
Elementary School Math
High School Biology
High School Chemistry
IB Biology
Middle School Science
Neurobiology
Physical Science
What is your teaching philosophy?
Teaching and learning are two sides of the same coin, and you have to be willing to do both to do well.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
First sessions are all about recognizing that someone has had the strength to reach out for help and admit they're having trouble for any number of reasons. A good tutoring relationship needs to be based on trust that there is no judgment, and the acknowledgment of that strength to seek help.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
Learning (with or without a tutor) should be an exercise in how to think, not what to think. As tutors, it's our job to present the material in a variety of ways so the students can learn which way best helps them understand it and interact with it dynamically.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
Motivation is tough, especially when you've just struggled on a test or assignment. It often comes down to perspective and remembering it's not the end of the world, but ultimately a tiny blip on life goals. We've all been there, and as a tutor, it's proof that we've come back from it and can make the best of it.
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
There's never only one way to do or learn something, and not everyone thinks the same. Tutoring requires flexibility and a willingness to present material in a variety of ways and should always be interactive, not a lecture. If a student doesn't get something, have them teach it to you to see if they've simply misunderstood, or are missing parts of an explanation.