Ashwini
Certified Tutor
Undergraduate Degree: Rutgers University-New Brunswick - Bachelors, Psychology
Graduate Degree: William Paterson University of New Jersey - Masters, Special Education
reading, traveling, theater
College English
Comparative Literature
Elementary School Math
High School English
Homework Support
Other
Study Skills
Study Skills and Organization
Summer
What is your teaching philosophy?
My teaching philosophy is that all students have the potential to learn with the right skills and techniques. I think students are individuals that learn at different rates and through different styles. As educators, we need to teach to these students' strengths and help instill a love of learning.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
In a first session, I would gauge the student's strengths and weaknesses to see where their skills are. I would set up a plan of goals we would want to achieve together.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
I would teach the student skills to become independent. This would be working on time management, study skills, note taking techniques, etc.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
I would try to motivate students by looking at short-term and long-term goals. I would determine what exactly they're trying to achieve, and then come up with a plan to get there. I would remind the student of the goals we are trying to get to.
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
I would break down the skill/concept into smaller pieces, making sure they understood each segment before moving to the next. I would also provide them with practice to do on their own.
How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?
I would suggest reading a little every day instead of trying to do a chunk at one time. I would also suggest note taking tips on reading novels/textbooks. Another suggestion would be read out loud or getting a book on tape.
What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?
I think trying to find a way to relate to the student on a personal level is key. If the student sees you are on their side and are invested in them, they will want to work for you.
What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?
Throughout the process, I would check for understanding by either having the student do problems or having them explain/reteach the material to me.
How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?
I think positive reinforcement is key. Engaging the student and showing them they can succeed with just a little bit of work will help build their confidence.
How do you evaluate a student's needs?
At the end of a lesson/unit, I would give a quiz (written or orally) to see if the student truly understands the material.
How do you adapt your tutoring to the student's needs?
I would have to see the pace and understanding of the student and adjust my plan accordingly. Some students may need more time with comprehension than others. Others may need written notes on how to do each problem. Or some need notecards provided with the steps.
What types of materials do you typically use during a tutoring session?
Textbook, novel, index cards, highlighters, post it notes, and my computer.