
Joshua
Certified Tutor
Undergraduate Degree: Fordham University - Bachelors, English
SAT Composite (1600 scale): 1360
writing, movies, poetry, music.
College English
Comparative Literature
High School English
Homework Support
Other
Study Skills
Study Skills and Organization
How do you evaluate a student's needs?
Through reading comprehension and writing prompts.
What is your teaching philosophy?
Through deep text reading and rigorous analytical writing, students who remain focused and dedicated will be able to achieve 100% subject mastery.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
I would give them a text to analyze as well as pull textual evidence from to answer a writing prompt based on their understanding and ability to reason.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
By setting time constraints with clear and direct expectations, students will be able to work and struggle alone through a problem to learn to work out their issues before receiving help.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
By setting goals, as well as allowing for rewards and breaks when accomplishments have been met.
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
I would scaffold the concept down to the most basic component and tie it to an idea that would be relevant to their life to build interest.
How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?
By giving them a piece of text to deep read multiple times, students will be able to pick out a significant moment that will tie to a larger theme in the text.
What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?
I like to ask questions about hobbies, interests, and gauge what the student dislikes about school. This way I will be able to engage their personality in a manner that will make them most comfortable.
How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?
I would explain the significance of the idea to pop culture or their lives. This way students will find meaning in the work.
What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?
I would use writing prompts along with reading comprehension based writing exercises and multiple choices.
How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?
I would explain how their strengths will be able to help them achieve mastery as well as remind them on past successes that will allow for future success.
How do you adapt your tutoring to the student's needs?
I try to accommodate all student needs as well as learning styles. Some students need more work time, while others need a more gentle push. Trial and error is the best way to see things through.
What types of materials do you typically use during a tutoring session?
I use writing prompts, scrap paper, as well as a white board when necessary to demonstrate writing models.