
Alexandria
Certified Tutor
Undergraduate Degree: Virginia State University - Bachelors, Mass Communications
Graduate Degree: Drexel University - Masters, Television Management
Traveling. Sewing/Fashion Design, Cooking, Reading.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
The student always comes first. I'd like a few moments to find out their likes and dislikes and where they feel their strengths and weaknesses lie academically. Then, I'd like a few moments to share a snippet of my background and how I feel I can be of service. I'd then ask the student if they are comfortable with me, and feel like I would be a good fit for them. If they say yes, I'd like to enthusiastically proceed with the session.
What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?
Finding out what their strengths, weaknesses, likes and dislikes are help me cater a plan that is unique to them and only them. Not only does that help me better understand the student and get to know the student, it shows them that I am interested in them and their academics, and willing to go to where they are comfortable in an effort to help them.
What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?
One method I use is the role playing method. When there is time at the end of a session, I like to allow the student to be the tutor and I become the student. I ask questions about the material we've gone over and allow them to 'check' my work (a small assignment I created around the subject), and ask them to talk me through it as they go.
How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?
Letting them know that they are not an island when it comes to needing assistance in a subject, helping to ease the anxiety a bit. Once we get them to accept that, we can take things step by step and celebrate each victory no matter how small. When you learn to appreciate the small things, you realize just how many small things you've overcome and gain the confidence and will power to tackle the bigger ones.
How do you evaluate a student's needs?
I ask the student what they feel their needs are. I also ask them where they feel their strong suits are. Starting with the person that is actually going through it will allow you to bypass the lengthy initial assessment. I will then offer a trial assignment and go over it with the student so we can begin discussions on my findings, and how they align with where the student believes they are. Over time, we will do more assignments and assess them together to determine weak areas and growing areas.