Timothy
Certified Tutor
Undergraduate Degree: Temple University - Bachelor of Science, Psychology
Graduate Degree: Kent State University at Kent - Master of Science, Public Relations
Hiking, Scuba Diving, History, Martial Arts, Photography
Adult ESL/ELL
AP Comparative Government and Politics
High School Writing
Homework Support
Middle School Writing
Other
SAT Subject Test in World History
Social Sciences
Study Skills
Study Skills and Organization
Summer
What is your teaching philosophy?
The Socratic method of questioning information to gain understanding; whereas, when the student can teach the instructor, learning surpasses a cursory understanding of concrete knowledge, that will not be soon forgotten.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
A first session must be based on understanding the student - their desires to learn, motivations, and best methods of connecting. Within the philosophy of teaching what you love, the student will gain a greater success through having a desire to learn, rather than being forced. Eliciting and nurturing a desire for knowledge creates an everlasting behavior beyond the tutoring sessions.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
A lack of knowledge does not mean low intelligence or deficiency of ability. Sustained motivation is created through success and creating an environment where the student feels the tangible benefits of hard work. Rarely has anyone regretted hard work after the fact when a positive goal is achieved.
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
Tutoring is one-on-one attention and respect in order to create a lesson that will help the student understand. By knowing your student's interests and learning passions, an inherent desire to learn will be created.
How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?
Reading comprehension can be achieved through chunking - having a conversation based on what they read. If they are having problems with a story, start with paragraphs, or smaller. The key is not asking only what they have read, but having them explain the larger context based on the pieces. Ask them to create the story in their minds, based on their own experiences, to understand the author.
What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?
A lack of knowledge does not mean low intelligence or deficiency of ability. Sustained motivation is created through success and creating an environment where the student feels the tangible benefits of hard work. Rarely has anyone regretted hard work after the fact when a positive goal is achieved.
How do you evaluate a student's needs?
Tutoring is one-on-one attention - respect that in order to create a lesson that will help the student understand. By knowing your student's interests and learning passions, an inherent desire to learn will be created. Ask them what they need to succeed and their answers will certainly start the learning process in the proper direction.