Diana
Certified Tutor
Undergraduate Degree: University of California-Irvine - Bachelor of Science, Biological Science
Running, Exercise, Drawing, Painting, Art, Researching, knitting, medical dramas on TV.
Elementary School Math
Life Sciences
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
I would try to get to know my student better and understand their goals, learning style, and pace. I'd try to make them feel comfortable, motivated, and important so that they are not afraid to ask questions or ask for explanations.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
I will help the student get over the barrier of approaching a problem. I will guide them to get into the habit of gathering what they know, in order to help them solve a problem. I also believe that small victories and reaching new milestones can keep one motivated, and acknowledging this will help the student push themselves in the learning process.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
Motivation is very important, and seeing and acknowledging progress can help a student stay motivated with a "can do" attitude towards learning.
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
I would draw analogies, or perhaps talk about it in terms that might make more sense to them. Sometimes it's necessary to use objects to explain the concept so that it is less abstract.
What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?
I can give a problem from a different starting point that may require a different approach but the same technique. I may also apply it to a real situation that will require the student to think about the problem and apply the concept.
How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?
I can show students things that they have learned or ask them questions that they can confidently answer. Also, helping students identify patterns can help them recognize things that they already know.
How do you evaluate a student's needs?
I can get an idea of what the student needs or wants by asking them what their goals are and figuring out what they are struggling with as we work together on problems.
How do you adapt your tutoring to the student's needs?
I can ask the student how they prefer to be taught, or give them suggestions, whether it is by drawings, by writing things down themselves, or seeing physical examples.
How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?
I would guide my student to look at the big idea that texts or passages have. Each sentence is like a puzzle piece, and on its own, it is complete. But all the pieces come together to make something bigger, a bigger picture.
What types of materials do you typically use during a tutoring session?
Pens (multicolored), pencil, paper, props (such as marbles for counting), and anything that can serve as demonstration object, such as hands, arms, clay, etc.