Oscar
Certified Tutor
Undergraduate Degree: University of Havana - Bachelors, Physics
travels, photography & painting
10th Grade Math
11th Grade Math
12th Grade Math
6th Grade Math
7th Grade Math
8th Grade Math
9th Grade Math
AP Physics C: Mechanics
College Math
College Physics
Developmental Algebra
Elementary Algebra
Elementary School Math
High School Physics
Spanish 1
What is your teaching philosophy?
A lesson must have a stage where I assess the measure of the prerequisites of the topic. (I need to find out where the student stands regarding the subject's objectives.) Based on the first stage, the lesson must be organized with steps for me to deliver the material (new or as review) with enough examples and applications, followed by feedback from the student. Typically, I follow the approaches of the particular school (with very few exceptions). The essence of learning is that it is achieved by a combination of adequate guidance and assistance from the instructor, a positive attitude from the student, and enough work completed by the student to ensure lasting knowledge (understanding and skills). As an instructor, I always seek to motivate the student with applications, develop the student's ability as an independent learner, and increase the student's self-efficacy.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
I need to chat with the student about his/her learning goals and main difficulties. I then check the school class materials such as notes, homework, etc. Then, I make a time-plan that coincides with the student's needs. The plan should also provide the details of our meetings.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
By 1. Assessing and controlling the student's response to a gradually increased set of work given by the school teacher and by me. 2. Simultaneously walking the student through the steps when some new difficulties arise, coaching, and advising. 3. Giving and checking enough work for the student to develop confidence to face variants and new related material independently.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
There are different ways, but the most important ways are to provide the student with the following: 1. Evidence of how and when the subject will be useful (in connection with his/her possible future) and 2. Constant words recognizing improvement and pointing out areas where there is still room for improvement.
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
It depends. Sometimes all I need to do is a rewording, but sometimes well chosen examples are needed. In some cases, it requires a full rework of a chapter, a section, or part of it.
How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?
I would start with a reading with interpretation/comments by the student and me. Sometimes the textbooks might help as they usually have features like completing blanks, vocabulary work, etc. In certain cases, I would recommend more reading and for the student to write an essay.
What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?
1. I always have in stock many examples and exercises to walk the student through some steps. Then, I would ask the student to give them a try. 2. When the student understands only part of a topic, I try to find out what is missing in his/her understanding through the use of some well chosen questions.
How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?
Oh yes, I always strive to get the student engaged! It requires some exploration of the approach, the examples, and the way you present the topic.
What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?
I need to ask some questions, check all the student work step by step, and find out whether they follow a logical path. Something helpful is to discuss an alternative approach or how to verify a result.
How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?
True confidence is built as the result of several successful attempts (a high enough percentage) with (limited) variations. For a subject, we need repeated success with a comprehensive set of questions and problems that reflect the objectives of the subject.
How do you evaluate a student's needs?
In our first meeting, I would listen to the student's views; check their classroom materials, notes, and homework; and ask some questions related to their areas of trouble. Once the student is under my guidance, I would check their previous work. Then, I would ask questions pertaining to why they were unable to finish the steps and where they got lost in the steps.
How do you adapt your tutoring to the student's needs?
I always take the steps necessary to fit my tutoring to the student's needs, with the exception of cheating.
What types of materials do you typically use during a tutoring session?
I use notes (the student's and mine), printed materials, the occasional textbook, charts, tables, grid paper, rulers, geometrical templates, and my own exercise sets. In the case of Physics, some experiments are important to be included as part of the lesson.