Dana
Certified Tutor
Undergraduate Degree: North Carolina Central University - Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
Graduate Degree: North Carolina Central University - Master of Science, Biology, General
Graduate Degree: North Carolina Central University - Doctor of Philosophy, Biological and Physical Sciences
Working out, interior decorating, keeping up on cancer research, spending time with family, traveling
College Biology
Elementary School Math
Elementary School Reading
High School Biology
Middle School Science
Physical Science
What is your teaching philosophy?
With teaching, you have to make sure you are on the level of the STUDENT, whatever level that may be; and have the versatility to be able to adapt to various learning styles in order to best suit your student.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
A first session will consist of getting to know the student: their strengths and weaknesses, their goals (life and with tutoring), their learning style, and what they want to accomplish from having a tutor.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
I think independent learning starts with knowing "what works" for that student. Some students try to learn things "how they are taught, or how the next student is learning them," but that may not work for every student; and they in turn end up not being able to excel "independently."
How would you help a student stay motivated?
ENCOURAGEMENT and CONFIDENCE building is key! Once a student feels confident in a subject, the motivation will follow.
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
Find the ROOT of the problem -- attack, and reassess.
How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?
Start with the basics. Find things they are actually interested in, and have them read those things. It will help them with understanding.
What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?
Building a great relationship and trust with the student.
How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?
I make it fun, and I try to relate everything to real life as much as I can.
What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?
Re-teaching. I have found the best way to determine if a person REALLY knows something is to have them teach you! If they can teach you how to do something, or tell you how/why they are doing something, they are well on their way.
How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?
PRACTICE and REPETITION.
How do you evaluate a student's needs?
I make sure a student is first honest with themselves, in knowing their strengths and weaknesses (if they are too young to know, ask their parents/look at reports), and then focus on their weaknesses and continue to enhance their strengths.