Alison
Certified Tutor
Undergraduate Degree: University of Kansas - Bachelors, English
Reading, painting, cooking, animal lover and advocate, traveling
College English
High School English
What is your teaching philosophy?
I believe the fundamental goal of teaching is to foster learning. Learning takes place in many different circumstances and contexts. Although everyone is capable of learning, a student's desire to learn is vital to mastering new concepts and skills. Humans have multiple learning styles: some learn best in lecture atmospheres, some are motivated by discussion, and others absorb best when they read and reflect on what they have read. The classroom setting can encourage or inhibit learning depending on the dominant learning style of each student. Accommodating different learning styles creates an atmosphere that is conducive to learning. Students take many of their learning habits from the instructor. If the instructor doesn't show interest in the subject and a passion for learning, students are less likely to put forth the effort to learn in that class. An instructor must convince students of his or her knowledge and expertise before they will show a willingness to learn.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
In a first session, I would want to do some get-to-know-you activities so that we can become familiar with each other. I think it is also important to assess the student's prior knowledge about the subject so I know the student's ability level and can determine which skills need work. I would also talk to the student (or parent) about what they hope to accomplish with the tutoring sessions.
What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?
Strategies I have found successful include getting to know the student on a personal level so they know I care about them and want to help them succeed.
How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?
I would help a student get excited about a subject they are struggling in by finding a way to relate it to things they are interested in. For example, if a student does not like reading, I help them find books on topics they are interested in.