
Joshua
Certified Tutor
Undergraduate Degree: Stony Brook University - Bachelors, Business Management
Video games, snowboarding, working out/exercise, singing, Tough Mutter!
College English
College Level American History
Elementary School Math
High School English
High School Level American History
Homework Support
Other
Study Skills
Study Skills and Organization
Summer
What is your teaching philosophy?
Identify the way the student learns and the causes of difficulties and success - tailor teaching style and explanations accordingly.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
Discuss the student's current situation. Learn about his/her performance and where there needs to be improvement. I'd give a little encouragement to the student, and begin working with the student in the problem area.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
I can help a student learn how to focus on the right things and understand context. Students often run into problems when they become overwhelmed by too many things. Looking at issues step-by-step and understanding the overall context can help a student, whether it is in a math word problem or writing an essay.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
Upon working with the student, I would highlight the student's strengths and encourage based on these. When the student stops thinking there is difficulty because he or she is stupid, the student can start to build confidence.
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
I would try to identify the root of the issue - what about the concept is hard for them. I would then go about explaining it in a way that was easier for the student to understand based on the way the student learns.
How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?
Similarly to issues with math, many students go too fast and miss important details. Reading the first sentence and understanding it's meaning is key before moving on. I would ask the student to explain what the first sentence means. Based on their ability to do so, I would either move on the next sentence, or help explain the meaning.
What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?
Listening to the student is very valuable. I can "properly" explain a math concept 50 times and a student might not get it. However, if I ask what is hard for them and really listen, that yields an insight of how to best make the student understand.
How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?
It is often helpful to relate it to something meaningful to the student. As cheesy as it seems, using Star Wars for a word problem can get younger students much more interested.
What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?
A student truly understands the material when they can teach it to someone else. I want to see a student be able to get the answer, say why/how they got the answer, and write why/how they got the answer.
How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?
Small steps of progress and building on strengths. Convincing a student that they are smart and just need to see it a little differently or work a little harder helps to motivate. I don't try to fix everything at once. I help them fix one area of difficulty, congratulate them for success, and we move on to the next.
How do you evaluate a student's needs?
First, asking questions about what they struggle with and why. Second, observing the student performing what they struggle in.
How do you adapt your tutoring to the student's needs?
I observe how the student responds to different methods. If the student learns better seeing something written versus hearing it, or vice versa, I focus more on what helps the student.
What types of materials do you typically use during a tutoring session?
The textbook from the student's subject, pen and paper, and perhaps the Internet.