Scott
Certified Tutor
Undergraduate Degree: Louisiana Tech University - Bachelors, Mechanical Engineering
Graduate Degree: Southern Methodist University - Masters, Manufacturing Systems Management
History, photography.
What is your teaching philosophy?
1. Student engagement is crucial. 2. Frustration over math is erased by achievement. 3. Math can be broken into simple enough steps such that achievement is achievable!
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
It's all about the student. I already know the subject. After a brief introduction the student would tell me about any specific problems they may be having and what they want to get out of tutoring.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
Tutoring is interactive. If a classroom style lecture was effective we wouldn't be sitting across a table learning one-on-one.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
That's a tough one. Motivation has to come from within the student. I can remind the student of the importance of math, but he or she has to want to learn.
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
Break it down into simpler steps. All math is just a series of either addition, subtraction, multiplication or division.
What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?
The student needs to repeat back what was just taught in their own words. Of course, working a math problem independently is the ultimate test.
How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?
Confidence comes from learning the material. There is no substitute for achievement. I won't tell a student they are doing well when they aren't.
What types of materials do you typically use during a tutoring session?
It's really simple. Pencil and paper are all that are needed. If the student demonstrates full competency at basic addition, subtraction, etc., then a calculator can be used for larger numbers.
How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?
I believe in back-to-basics. If each word needs to be explained and discussed then that's what we will do. I want you to understand the material.
What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?
Working some simple problems to reveal the areas of misunderstanding helps a lot. Tutoring is just a matter of filling in the gaps in the student's understanding.