Raul
Certified Tutor
Undergraduate Degree: Brigham Young University-Provo - Bachelors, History
Graduate Degree: The University of Texas at Austin - Masters, Public Policy and Statistics
Reading, whitewater rafting, going to the gym, history
What is your teaching philosophy?
I don't just show the students the way; I walk the way with them. We tutors are not in the business of just showing how to solve a math problem, but in the business of walking our students through the solving process step by step.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
Get to know the student's preferred learning approach: learn by doing, learn by watching, learn by listening, etc. I also want to hear their questions. I don't go in assuming I know what their struggles with the subject are.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
In my experience, after explaining a math problem, I like to reverse the roles a bit, and have the student walk me through the process of solving the problem. This helps the student internalize the concepts and become, in a way, their independent tutor.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
The best motivation is doing well on the next midterm. When a student comes in to tutoring and then goes out and does very well on a midterm, they can't help but to be motivated.