A photo of Pat, a tutor from Northwestern University

Pat

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I am a graduate of Northwestern University. I received my degree from the School of Communication with an emphasis in Theatre and also studied English and Philosophy. At school, I took part in a University program linking student tutors with varsity athletes, and helped these athletes improve their grades in various subjects. I am most passionate about English and History. In my opinion, there is more to tutoring than knowledge of a subject. When a student needs tutoring, they often feel a lot of stress related to the subject for which they are seeking help. I can relate - the sound of the word "calculus" itself was once enough to give me cold sweats. As such, a tutor is not just someone who can teach material, but someone who can alleviate the stress and self-doubt often associated with academic struggle. Once a student views their subject as an invigorating challenge rather than a frightening enemy, they really begin to do their best work. When I tutor, I work to instill comfort and confidence with a subject as well as knowledge.

Pat’s Qualifications

Education & Certification

Undergraduate Degree: Northwestern University - Bachelor of Science, Theatre

Test Scores

SAT Verbal: 760

Hobbies

In my spare time I enjoy reading fiction, watching and performing stand-up comedy, cooking, and jogging.

Tutoring Subjects

History

AP Comparative Government and Politics

AP Human Geography

AP U.S. Government & Politics

AP United States History

AP US History

College English

College Essays

College Geography

College Level American History

Comparative Literature

English

English Grammar and Syntax

Essay Editing

European History

Geography

High School English

High School Geography

High School Level American History

Q & A

What is your teaching philosophy?

Every student has different needs. A tutor has to be flexible. We have the privilege of spending a lot of time on one student's needs, and as such, we have a responsibility to be creative and adaptable as to what works best for each student.

What might you do in a typical first session with a student?

The first thing I do is get a feel for how the student feels about the subject. Find out what annoys them, what scares them, and why this particular subject is an area in need of extra help. Then, I try to assuage any fears or anxieties before starting on the actual material.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

It's all about instilling confidence. I needed a math tutor in high school, and it made me feel like I was stupid. As soon as the student can lose any preconceived notions about themselves or their intellectual/academic abilities, they are freed up to put in their best effort.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

Show them that you actually care. Ask them about their interests and passions outside of school. Be a mentor in addition to a tutor.

If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?

Try and break the mold - get them out of the trap of thinking about the skill or concept in the same old way. Usually through some sort of creative exercise - drawing, music, writing, whatever they are into.