Kaila
Certified Tutor
Undergraduate Degree: Slippery Rock University - Bachelor of Science, Mathematics
Graduate Degree: University of Pittsburgh - Master of Science, Secondary Education
Swimming,Traveling, Lifting, Reading Harry Potter, Going out to eat, outdoor activities such as biking, hiking, swimming
10th Grade Math
4th Grade Math
5th Grade Math
6th Grade Math
7th Grade Math
8th Grade Math
9th Grade Math
Algebra 3/4
Elementary School Math
Quantitative Reasoning
What is your teaching philosophy?
I believe that each student learns differently and that the teacher must adjust his/her ways of teaching based on the student. I also feel that when a student is struggling in a problem, it is best to let them keep struggling for a few minutes. It is from these times of struggle that the "Ah-ha" moments are formed!
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
I would introduce myself and talk to the student about what they like and what their hobbies are. It is best to get the student comfortable with you so that they don't feel awkward asking you a question!
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
You can help a student become an independent learner by allowing them to struggle with the problems. If you just give them the answer, they will become dependent on you telling them the answer every time they feel stuck.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
I would try to show them how they could use these problems in the real world. Many times, students can't stay motivated with Math because they don't understand the "point of learning the material." You need to keep them interested in order to stay motivated.
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
I would teach that skill/concept a different way. I would present the skill/concept in a different light (maybe try to relate it to something they are interested in).
How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?
With Math, I would point out keywords (like In Addition To, Take away, etc.). That way, they can look for keywords to give them hints on what to do.
What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?
I find it most successful when I introduce myself and allow them to see that I do care about them and their grades. I also have found it most successful when I talk to them about what their hobbies/interests are. It shows them that I am not all about the business and making money, that I care about each student.
How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?
I would relate it to something they find interesting. Or, I would try to explain to them how they may use it in real world application.
What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?
I would quiz them on different questions. I would have them explain the answer to me in their own words, and then I would create a similar problem and see if they can do it by themselves.
How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?
Affirmations. I always tell my students how good of a job they are doing! If they get something wrong, I would tell them that they were on the right track but then suggest something else to them.
How do you evaluate a student's needs?
I first see if they understand the problem and if they know what they are being asked. Simple questions like that can help you evaluate where a student is. Also, just conversing with a student can give you a good idea on where they are. Especially if you ask them oral questions as opposed to writing them down.
How do you adapt your tutoring to the student's needs?
I am willing to be very flexible with my schedule to best fit the student's needs--whether that is working early hours, late hours, or on the weekends. My job is to make sure the student gets what he/she needs.
What types of materials do you typically use during a tutoring session?
Math books, pencil, paper, a calculator, the Internet.