
Karen
Certified Tutor
Undergraduate Degree: California State University-San Marcos - Bachelor of Science, Science of Nursing
Singing
College English
Conversational French
Conversational Spanish
Elementary School Math
Elementary School Reading
French 1
High School Chemistry
High School English
Middle School Science
Other
Physical Science
Spanish 1
Study Skills
Study Skills and Organization
Summer
What is your teaching philosophy?
I go by what the student feels is his or her goal. We focus on the topics and subjects that need the most attention. I like to teach with a light-hearted approach, making sure the client is comfortable providing feedback to ensure a successful learning experience.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
We discuss his or her motives for seeking tutoring. What is important for him or her. We discuss which approach we will take, we select the materials we will use, and discuss preferences of learning style and scheduling.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
If the client has the time for homework, assignments are provided so that they can execute the acquired knowledge on their own. Also, supplemental materials and practice are encouraged, and questions can always be answered.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
When we meet for the first time, we will have discussed what is truly important for each of them. Every day before we start our new lesson we will review what will be the focus of that particular day, which is in line with their ultimate goal. I think, reminding them of why we are working hard during class, is what will keep them going. Of course, positive reinforcement and encouragement are incredibly positive for the student as well.
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
Try a different approach of explaining the material. Utilize resources such as different examples, from different books, the internet or perhaps even email them a YouTube link that they can review.
How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?
Patience. No one is proficient, especially in the beginning. It takes real sacrifice and practice. There are techniques that can help with reading comprehension, such as strategizing one's reading, or decoding the structure and purpose of a text. With different examples, and daily practice, any struggling student can be motivated by their own progress.
What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?
Getting to hear about their interests and motivations. This gives me direction for our lessons. Also, many times I also find myself invested in seeing them achieve their goals...pass the test, improve a score, loosen up and practice a foreign language when out and about.
How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?
Well, I would first want to know what exactly they do get, and where the knowledge gaps are so that we can remediate those with some reviews and step by step demonstration. After understanding, we would work on exercises and finally the student should demonstrate the ability to navigate the subject/topic with ease.
What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?
Return demonstration is one of the best ways to ensure understanding of material. I would encourage the student to explain back to me the concept he or she was struggling with, and I would anticipate that they also won't have trouble with exercises related to the material.