Sheldon

What is your teaching philosophy?

I feel that the student comes first. Their understanding is key. Everyone learns at a different pace, and a creative approach is needed to help the student "get" the material in a way that they understand.

What might you do in a typical first session with a student?

I would typically get to know them. Find out their interests and struggles with the subject matter. I would want to find out how they best learn, visual, auditory, tactile, etc.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

It's all about study skills. Giving the answer is not the answer. The student needs to learn how to seek out important information and how to do the work on their own. I am a thinker and a communicator. If I can help someone figure out the way to solve a problem then that is a win.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

Positive reinforcement. Reward systems work best in my experience.

If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?

Sometimes repetition is the answer; other times it is finding a way that the student learns and adapting the material to a way they can understand. Relating concepts to everyday situations that help them make sense of the problem.

How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?

I have a son that struggles with this. We take turns reading and stop after a few pages to talk about what is happening in the story. I ask some questions and let him do the talking to help him better understand and remember what has been read.

What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?

I feel like if there is a way to get students to engage all of their senses they remember better. Read it, write it, say it, and in certain cases touch it and see it. Especially in anatomy. You have to see how everything works and get your hands on some models and skeletons.

How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?

I would go back to an award system. Something that motivates them to get through the material. A lot of it is attitude. If I stay positive and seem excited, hopefully it will rub off on the student.

What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?

Testing is always an option. I quick quiz to see how they are doing. I feel like if the student can teach me the material then they for sure have a grasp on it. I like to do a role reversal and have them teach me.

How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?

Tons of praise and reinforcement. Setting goals and then reaching those goals is huge. If we can show progress and look back at where they used to be compared to where they are now, it builds confidence.

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

I typically have a little one to one and see where they are at and where they need help. If there is a younger student, then a conversation needs to happen with the parent to see if there are any special needs or concerns. It is important to involve the parents and student when evaluating needs.

How do you adapt your tutoring to the student's needs?

I find what works for them. It is best to see what kind of learner they are. If they are audio learners, then I read the problems to them. If they are tactile then we need get their hands involved.

What types of materials do you typically use during a tutoring session?

An iPad or videos, pencil and paper, and books. I teach in a classroom setting for anatomy. We have a lot of models and skeletons and things to work with. I have also used anatomy coloring books to help student understand the human body better, and it lets them get some of the creative side of their brain working.