Douglas
Certified Tutor
Undergraduate Degree: Arizona State University - Bachelors, German and Women's Studies
Graduate Degree: University of California-Berkeley - Masters, German Literature and Culture/Applied Linguistics
Learning, foreign languages, sociolinguistics, hiking, interacting with different cultures, spending time with my family
College English
Comparative Literature
Conversational German
German 1
German 2
German 3
German 4
High School English
Homework Support
Other
Study Skills
Study Skills and Organization
Summer
What is your teaching philosophy?
Students who maintain an open mind and who have the willingness to learn will be successful in any endeavor. I firmly believe the relationship between teacher and student is based on trust, openness, and the understanding that both parties are engaging in a learning "conversation" in which both parties participate.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
It is important to know a bit about my student and what s/he is hoping to achieve during each session. Students should feel comfortable with their teacher, and it is important to build rapport during the first session. A plan will then be created and objectives decided upon by both the teacher and student.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
It is important to remember that in order to become an independent learner, the learning process should be a conversation between teacher and student. Students should feel comfortable asking questions and seek to understand the material and its application. My role is to help the student grow by challenging her/him with questions and scenarios.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
It is important for students to remember that we are all learners. We never stop being students. Learning can be difficult, and it is important for a student to know that her/his teacher knows what it is like to learn the material being taught. A pep talk to boost confidence and to build rapport is critical in this learning relationship.