Nathan
Certified Tutor
Undergraduate Degree: Southern Illinois University Edwardsville - Bachelors, Physics
Graduate Degree: Southern Illinois University Edwardsville - Masters, Physics
programming and poker
What is your teaching philosophy?
My teaching philosophy is learning through conceptualizing and real life examples in order for the students to relate their own experiences to the subject matter.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
Ask about the key areas in the subject the student is struggling with.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
Encouraging trial and error while learning. Teaching them to not be afraid of getting the wrong answer while practicing.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
Letting the student know about my own experiences when I was learning the subject. Talking about my obstacles when I was learning.
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
Think of different ways to give examples and new ways to present the concept that the student can relate to.
What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?
Rather than just showing the process of problem solving, explaining what each element of the process represents for a deeper understanding.
How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?
Telling them about the professional opportunities that are available by knowing the subject and what you can do with the knowledge in real life.
What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?
Physical demonstrations (if they apply) or examples that present themselves in everyday life.
How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?
Allowing them to think through the problem on their own while guiding them to the answer.
What types of materials do you typically use during a tutoring session?
Mostly drawings and sketches.