Corey
Certified Tutor
Undergraduate Degree: Grand Valley State University - Bachelors, Biology, General
Graduate Degree: Unlv - Current Grad Student, Cell and molecular
Hiking, Camping,
What is your teaching philosophy?
I spent nine years teaching and running group therapy sessions for adolescents in a challenging setting. I then completed the CCSD Alternative Routes to Licensure program, consisting of intensive training and practice in teaching to diverse learning styles and a multicultural clientele. At the conclusion of this program, I was accepted into the UNLV molecular biology PhD program in which I taught 18 lab sections and several lectures and seminars in subjects including biology and human anatomy and physiology as well as subjects at the highest academic levels. I am also teaching biology lectures at Nevada State College. I have found the best and most lasting results in terms of conveying understanding are achieved by addressing diverse learning styles and Socratically engaging students in logical thinking and dialogue.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
Asses the knowledge of the student to identify gaps that need filling in order to understand the material they're currently struggling with.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
By leading them to understand how to find the answers themselves. In this way, they learn to learn and are less likely to forget something they found out themselves.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
I find that when someone begins to understand something they thought that they could not, they start to get such a kick out of it that they want to achieve more understanding.
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
Approach it in different ways. The more ways you can explain, illustrate, and relate it to real life and their experiences, the more likely they'll grasp it.