Kathryn
Certified Tutor
Undergraduate Degree: Georgia State University - Bachelor in Arts, Philosophy
writing, stand-up comedy, meeting new people, singing, reading, songwriting, teaching, music
Adult Literacy
AP English Language and Composition
College Application Essays
College English
Elementary School
Elementary School English
Elementary School Reading
Elementary School Science
Elementary School Writing
Expository Writing
Fiction Writing
GED Reasoning Through Language Arts
High School English
High School Writing
Homework Support
Middle School English
Middle School Reading
Middle School Reading Comprehension
Middle School Writing
Other
Persuasive Writing
Spelling Bee
What is your teaching philosophy?
All students, especially children, have a desire to learn that is as important to cultivate as is the knowledge itself. The interpersonal gratification of learning and teaching is a beautiful thing, and it is a joy and an honor to accomplish.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
I like to give informal pre-assessments based on the student's required material and ask the student if she/he, her/his teacher/ or her/his parents have suggestions on what to work on.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
Tips and tricks for how to read and to answer questions critically are quite translatable to independent learning, as are "shortcuts" or easy ways to remember certain rules.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
I am the type of tutor to come up with a tasty treat for a reward, and I give little, informal pep-talks to keep the kids encouraged. I also try to inspire them with my own stories!
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
Usually, a student can only handle a few minutes at a time learning a given concept. When the student needs a break, I will go on to a different concept, come back to the problematic one after a short period, and try to have come up with a new way to explain the skill.
How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?
I give them tips about how to read the questions and about how to read the material in ways that can save them time and effort. I also teach them about concepts such as using keywords to find useful information regarding the theme, tone, and causes and effects.
What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?
Every student is different, but most students are better with rotating subjects--with not spending too much time on one particular part until everything else has been pieced together. Reward systems help, too!
How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?
I am a firm believer in praise and in patience. Also, I try to make jokes every now and then! My best teachers and professors have always had a great sense of humor; it keeps the kids engaged.
What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?
I ask review questions. For subjects such as math and science, of course, quizzes and reviews on paper are preferable, but I find that the dialogue involved in oral reviews can be helpful in understanding and in retaining the information.
How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?
Praise when a student gets an answer is only one way to inspire confidence. Patience and encouragement when the student gets it wrong are just as important, so I make sure to remind students that every time they get a wrong answer, they get closer to the right one.
How do you evaluate a student's needs?
I give little quizzes and reviews that encompass concepts as fully and as concisely as possible.
How do you adapt your tutoring to the student's needs?
I make sure to use language the student can understand. Tone--from stern to delighted--is also very important. And, of course, whenever a student shows that he or she does not understand a certain concept or fact, I make sure to spend extra time on it.
What types of materials do you typically use during a tutoring session?
I use good old paper, pencil, a calculator (only if necessary), and sometimes, I use a computer. The most important materials are the student and the tutor!