Nicole
Certified Tutor
Undergraduate Degree: University of Arizona - Bachelors, Neuroscience and Cognitive Science
Synchronized Swimming, Swimming, Teaching swim lessons, Sewing, Biking, Painting, Reading
College Biology
College Chemistry
Conversational Spanish
Ecology
Elementary School Math
High School Biology
High School Chemistry
Life Sciences
Other
Social Sciences
Spanish 1
Summer
What is your teaching philosophy?
Taking the time to understand concepts will help you know how to approach any problem for that subject.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
I would try to learn more about my student so I can have a better understanding of their thinking processes. It is essential to see where we are starting so we can work together towards the goal for the student.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
I can help them learn how to think critically and study efficiently.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
For any student, it can be difficult to stay motivated, but positive reinforcement can go a long way to get them back on their feet. I make sure they notice their own progress so they feel optimistic of what else they can accomplish.
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
I would show them how to make up their own mnemonic device or story to make their skill or concept easier to understand and more relatable.
How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?
I encourage them to read at the pace that best helps them comprehend the message and to read as often as they can for practice. I find books that they would find entertaining so that reading doesn't become a chore.
What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?
It is best to assess the student and see where they are in understanding the concepts of their class material. I give them basic questions and ask how they are solving the problem so I can understand their thinking process.
How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?
If a student is frustrated with their work material, I would give them easier questions to solve to show them that they can accomplish it. I would then break down larger problems to demonstrate how to make it easier and more understandable.
What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?
I give step by step instructions for how the student should look at problems and have them write out how they'll solve them and why they use those methods.