Edna
Certified Tutor
Undergraduate Degree: Reed College - Bachelors, Biology, General
Graduate Degree: Princeton University - Current Grad Student, History
science, math, history, languages
College English
Ecology
Elementary School Math
High School English
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
I would allow them to step back and absorb the question.
How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?
After reading a passage, I would ask them what they understood from the passage and try to walk them through the various parts of the text that were clear and unclear for them.
What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?
I would ask the student what they wanted and how they envisioned the lesson. Giving the student agency has been very helpful.
How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?
I would remind the student that they have the potential to excel in the subject and that we would be working as a team to allow them to reach that goal.
What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?
I would ask the student to explain the material to me in a myriad of ways. I would also occasionally ask the student to remind me about the content that they had just learned.
How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?
I would encourage the student and give them positive reinforcement.
How do you evaluate a student's needs?
I would evaluate their needs by speaking to them, going over their homework and tests, and asking their guardians. Altogether, these things can help me figure out what the student needs.
How do you adapt your tutoring to the student's needs?
I will ask the student if they feel that I am an effective tutor and if there is anything that I can do to be even more effective.
What types of materials do you typically use during a tutoring session?
I usually have a small whiteboard, paper, colored pens, and a calculator.
What is your teaching philosophy?
My philosophy is to be supportive and encouraging.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
I would ask the student to describe their strengths and weaknesses. I would also look over the course materials if they have them and to try to figure out a plan for improvement.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
I would motivate them to love learning and subsequently help them build towards working at home.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
I think positive reinforcement goes a long way in helping the student feel motivated.