Saberi
Certified Tutor
Undergraduate Degree: University of California-Davis - Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
Tennis, Reading, Hiking
CLEP Prep
CLEP Precalculus
College Biology
College Chemistry
College English
Comparative Literature
Elementary Algebra
Entomology
General Biology
General Chemistry
High School Biology
High School Chemistry
High School English
Introduction to Fiction
Other
Social Sciences
Spanish 1
Summer
What is your teaching philosophy?
No two people are exactly alike, and therefore, not everyone learns the same way. I see it most beneficial for the tutor or teacher to be capable of approaching each student with an open mind and a motivation to be willing to approach concepts and misunderstandings from numerous ways until they finally have that "ah-ha" moment. It's important for a student to not just recognize what he or she needs to do, but to understand why they're dedicating their time. In the process, I like to dismiss the constantly asked question of "why do I need to know this" by shedding light on what possible future careers or situations require that knowledge from us.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
In a typical first session, I like to dedicate a few minutes to not only introducing myself, but also understanding my student. I approach the individual by first asking a series of questions; this includes questions such as- what do you like most about this subject? What do you think is most challenging in this subject? How do you think you learn best? etc. Asking these questions not only allows me to understand my student's concerns but also sets up goals that I wish to achieve. For instance, if my student hints at having test anxiety because of time constraint, this provides me with insight to focus on test-taking strategies and pacing.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
It's important to first gain the student's trust. As long as they know that you're behind them 110%, they'll be more willing to venture into the "unknown" of independent learning. It's important to first establish confidence in the student - make them know they can ask you any question regardless of how "dumb" it may be. From there, it's helpful to begin introducing techniques that require the student to think outside the box once they know what's going on in the class. By continuously enforcing and encouraging the student to progress and grow, he or she will eventually become an independent learner.
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
I like to think that it isn't a matter of the concept being challenging - although that might be the case in some disciplines - but that perhaps the way it's being presented doesn't do the material justice. We all learn differently and we all see things differently. By trying different angles and testing different study methods and active learning techniques, the student will eventually come across one way where the skill or concept suddenly becomes a snap.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
In order to help a student stay motivated, it's important to keep encouraging him or her. If they believe they can do it or see a goal to be attainable, there should ideally be nothing in their way to stop them from succeeding. Oftentimes, all they need is someone there to give them some support and help them map out the way.