JonLuca
Certified Tutor
Undergraduate Degree: University of Southern California - Current Undergrad, Physics/Computer Science
ACT Composite: 33
ACT English: 34
ACT Math: 34
ACT Reading: 33
ACT Science: 31
SAT Composite (1600 scale): 1510
SAT Math: 720
SAT Verbal: 730
SAT Writing: 740
Computer Science/TV Production/Physics
College English
College Level American History
Comparative Literature
Discrete Math
High School English
High School Level American History
Homework Support
Italian
SAT Subject Test in Italian
Study Skills and Organization
What is your teaching philosophy?
I like to make sure my students completely understand the material and are fully prepared for whatever exam or test is ahead of them! I'll work with them at whatever level they need, from breaking things down simply to broad overviews of subjects.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
Introduce myself and spend a little time discussing what methods that student learns best with. I'd also try to determine the level at which we should be working, and also establish a plan of action for the amount of time we should spend on the subject - whether this is a semester long commitment or just studying for a single exam.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
I'd teach them not just the material, but also the most efficient way of learning it. From tips and tricks to mnemonics, I'd try to find how they learn best, and then help them hone that specific skill.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
I'd remind them of what the perks and benefits of studying and learning the material are, as well as identifying different incentives for different students. Be it a personal motivation (making your parents proud) or an external one (GPA needed to stay on a sports team, a score needed to pass a class, etc.), I will help make it a clear goal to reach education heights.
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
I'd try to simplify it or try to teach it in a different style from the way we were already trying to learn it.
How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?
Practice makes perfect, so working on everything from vocabulary to speed reading would help. We'd start at the level they find is easy to read at, and then slowly increase difficulty over a period of time until their new comfort level is at that more difficult stage. Repeat until they are proficient.
What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?
A series of incentives, along with a personable and laid back attitude are important for the students to feel good and excited about learning. I try to make things fun and new, not just having to learn more math or reading. I'll tie in their hobbies to the material so they have external stimuli to the material.
How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?
I'd tie in the material with their hobbies. I'd also create examples and problem sets that they enjoy.
What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?
I'd have them complete problem exams, as well as just have an informal conversation that involves the material they're supposed to know.
How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?
We start at the most basic level, then work our way up, constantly increasing difficulty until we reach a level where they are not 100% successful, at which point we focus on that material. Then, we'll look back at all we've accomplished and show him or her how good they've gotten.
How do you evaluate a student's needs?
Depends on the subject/level/grade, but I would do a preliminary Q&A with them to get a gauge at what point they are at with the material. Whether they are advanced and are just trying to reach a higher level or entirely novice level at the subject, I'll identify their weakness or what they need to work on and help them overcome it.
How do you adapt your tutoring to the student's needs?
Every student learns differently, so I'll ask them what they prefer and change my style based off of their learning style.
What types of materials do you typically use during a tutoring session?
Pen and paper are always used, with other materials being included based on subject. If it's a language, TV and movies can be a great resource to learn the nuances of the grammar and speaking. If we're focused on mathematics, then a calculator and the Internet are helpful.