Payal
Certified Tutor
Undergraduate Degree: University of Tennessee Knoxville - Bachelors, Biology, General
Graduate Degree: Ross University of Medicine - Current Grad Student, Medicine
Dancing, painting/drawing, reading.
Anatomy & Physiology
College Biology
High School Biology
High School Chemistry
Life Sciences
Nursing
Pharmacology
Physical Science
Study Skills
Study Skills and Organization
Summer
What is your teaching philosophy?
I want students to be independent learners. They should be equipped with the right tools to self-study. I want students to be lifelong learners. They should be able to succeed in any field, not just math or science. Teaching is all-encompassing; the skills learned are invaluable.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
I will introduce the student to the basic concepts and gauge their interest in the material. Then, I would point out valuable points and work on them with the student. Lastly, we would practice going over the content until the student successfully masters it.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
I want to equip students with basic learning skills such as note-taking and reading comprehensively. Through this strategy, they can not only be good students, but also great scholars. I encourage students to take independent study and thoroughly cultivate that field.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
It is very important to think positively about grades and school work. I would like the student to see studies as a habit. This way they will not feel overwhelmed. It is necessary for them to connect concepts and see the overall picture.
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
I would advise the student to re-read the chapter and highlight the main points. Then, I would like the student to break it down to minor points, and recite the points each day until they remember. If they still have difficulty, I would consult other materials such as flashcards, web learning, and other tools.
How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?
I want them to take reading as a challenge and accept it. It is difficult, but do-able. I would like them to self-study by reading one or two books a month and go through a prep program.
What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?
I found note-taking and practice as the valuable tools in guiding students with learning. I encourage students to take their own notes, and then compare them to mine. It works out wonderfully, and the student is motivated to continue further.
How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?
I would ask them to focus on the long-term benefit. If they have an academic goal, it makes it easier since they will motivate themselves. Not all subjects are interesting, so it is important to show the student the importance of concentrating on a few.
What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?
I would reinforce note-taking and practice. That has worked for me over the years.
How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?
By practice! By far it is the only tool that works, and a student will gain confidence by consecutively getting high scores.
How do you adapt your tutoring to the student's needs?
I change based on the student's needs. I am flexible, open-minded and very dynamic. I know when students want me to change my teaching style. I listen to them actively and incorporate their suggestions into my practice.
What types of materials do you typically use during a tutoring session?
Online books, notes, and other academic referrals.