Beverly J
Certified Tutor
Undergraduate Degree: University of California-Los Angeles - Bachelor in Arts, English
Graduate Degree: UCLA/University of Maine - Unknown, Information Studies/English
Satire, History, Politics, Weight Lifting, music, jewelry making, documentaries, Old Norse studies, Travel, and Reading
12th Grade
12th Grade Reading
12th Grade Writing
Adult Literacy
American Literature
British Literature
College Level American Literature
Comparative Literature
Developmental Algebra
Expository Writing
Fiction Writing
High School
High School English
High School Level American Literature
High School Writing
Homeschool
Honors
Introduction to Fiction
Journalism
Law
Legal Writing
Medieval Literature
Other
Persuasive Writing
Poetry
Poetry Writing
Shakespeare
Study Skills
Study Skills and Organization
Summer
Technical Writing
Technology and Coding
Vocabulary
What is your teaching philosophy?
I believe in considering each person I tutor as an individual whose learning style should be understood and respected. My tutoring style is Socratic: asking students questions that will allow them to think critically. When an instructor and a student engage in a dialog, both learn in an environment that stimulates critical thinking and helps the student formulate ideas to help them consider all sides of an issue. Ultimately, the ability to think critically is what leads to academic success.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
My initial session with a student will focus on analysis, ascertaining a student's strengths and challenges.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
I can help students become independent learners by stressing a Socratic approach to teaching. I believe in asking and answering questions to stimulate critical thinking and challenging underlying presumptions.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
I consider an understanding of those I tutor the most important starting point to help each student stay motivated according to her/his individual traits.
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
I always start with what is most challenging and proceed to where a student's strengths are. I would also help a student use her/his strengths to solve educational challenges. An environment in which students feel their challenges are accepted rather than punished will more readily address them and are more likely to overcome those obstacles.
How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?
If comprehension is a challenge, I ask students to read out loud. That skill usually leads to increased comprehension.
How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?
When an instructor is excited and engaged on a topic, that enthusiasm helps students recognize the value of that subject. I try to find an area where some part of a topic speaks to a student's strengths.