Anabelle
Certified Tutor
Undergraduate Degree: Temple University - Bachelors, Music Theory
My interests additionally include physical exercise, yoga, meditation, being out in nature, and scuba-diving. I enjoy reading classic novels and writing poetry, and I have won contests for journalism compositions
College English
Conversational Italian
High School English
Italian
Music
Music Theory
Piano
Voice
What is your teaching philosophy?
Practice often, but don't wear yourself out. When you have the energy and drive to practice, do it. Practicing when your tired or not in the mood is pointless. You won't improve if you're forcing yourself to practice. All components of practice should be relatively enjoyable.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
Determine what their likes and dislikes are. Get a feel for their personality and how they respond to various methods of tutoring.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
Ensuring that their knowledge in technology is solid, should we decide to use a software program or other device to apply independent learning.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
Show the student the useful elements in the lesson/material and how that can be applied in life.
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
Try another method. Keep trying different ways until the student comprehends the material.
How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?
Reword certain phrases so the student can better understand what he/she has just read.
What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?
Compassion, patience, and an approachable demeanor are all important behaviors for a teacher to possess.
How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?
Show them the importance of the subject in actual life.
What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?
Review, and have the student "teach the teacher." A great way of knowing if the student gets what they have just been taught is to teach it back to the teacher.
How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?
Constant positive affirmations. "Great work. Now let's try it this way." "Mistakes are part of learning." "I'm here to help you." "You're doing extremely well. Keep it up."
How do you evaluate a student's needs?
Ask them. Testing and reviewing will indicate weak areas that need to receive more attention.
How do you adapt your tutoring to the student's needs?
I listen and observe how the respond to various methods. If a student responds well to visuals, I'll incorporate more visual tools.
What types of materials do you typically use during a tutoring session?
Whiteboards, graphs, charts.