McKell
Certified Tutor
Undergraduate Degree: University of California-Irvine - Bachelor of Science, Biomedical Engineering
ACT Composite: 31
ACT Math: 31
ACT Reading: 31
ACT Science: 35
SAT Math: 710
Running, Going to the Beach, Piano, Clubs and Sports
Algebra 3/4
Biomedical Engineering
Cell Biology
College Biology
Social Networking
Technology and Coding
What is your teaching philosophy?
As a teacher, I believe the focus needs to be on the student. To be attentive towards their needs, their pace, and what their goals are is the only concern during a tutoring session.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
In a first session with a student, I would make a plan of action. I'd find out what the student's and parent's goals are, get to know where the student is now and where they want to go, and take that first step during that session.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
I think of myself as a tour guide, where I will show the student where the information is but not just spoon feed information. Sharing tips and study tools to help them feel confident when I'm not there is one of my main objectives.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
Keeping a positive attitude and giving positive feedback will help students stay motivated and mirror the same positive attitude and "I can do this" mentality.
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
Starting with simple core basic concepts and not moving on until they understand. Whether we need to try a different problem or a new approach, making sure the foundation is there before adding other non-related complex steps is important towards building confidence in a skill or concept.
How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?
Breaking down a piece of literature paragraph by paragraph, sentence by sentence or even word by word if needed. Focusing in on specific action words and characters often helps to understand better what the text means.
What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?
Patience is most effective for me. Being kind and recognizing the progress they have made thus far and getting an idea of where they would like to be without making them feel behind or incapable is important.
How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?
Giving praise for understanding and guiding them rather than telling them directly so they are the ones who can find it on their own tends to help build confidence.
What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?
Asking them to do a problem they have not seen on their own, but still making sure they don't feel intimidated or "tested," is a good way to see if they have a grasp on the subject.