
Kenneth
Certified Tutor
Undergraduate Degree: University of Maryland-University College - Bachelors, Business and Psychology
Graduate Degree: Grand Canyon University - Masters, Secondary Education
State Certified Teacher
sports
1st Grade
2nd Grade
3rd Grade
4th Grade
5th Grade
6th Grade
College English
Elementary School Math
High School English
ISEE Prep
What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?
I would use a variety of formative assessments, those that come naturally through the flow of the lesson and some that I initiate. Summative assessments are certainly used as appropriate.
How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?
I would make generous but valid use of verbal praise and encouragement. I would brag on their successes and show them how to grow through any mistakes.
How do you adapt your tutoring to the student's needs?
You have to meet the students where they academically are. You need to discover their motivations, interests, and learning styles and provide scaffolding and activities to match.
What is your teaching philosophy?
I believe that every child can learn. I believe in providing appropriate scaffolding and differentiated instruction tailored to each unique student.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
I believe the first session should be more about establishing a rapport with the student. A sense of safety and acceptance needs to exist before learning can begin.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
I believe that when a student knows that mistakes are not only accepted, but they are a necessary part of learning, they will then feel more confident to complete work on their own.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
I would use valid praise and show the student tangible proof of their growth and progress.
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
I would provide repetition using varied learning styles and activities.
What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?
Helping the student know that ours is a safe and caring tutor/student bond is essential to learning. Students will not care how much you know until they know how much you care.
How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?
I believe a tutor needs to celebrate every effort and even the smallest accomplishments, but the efforts and accomplishments must be valid.
How do you evaluate a student's needs?
In addition to a student's academic needs, a tutor must strive to be sensitive to a student’s emotional needs. Active listening, in addition to formative and summative assessments, is vital.
How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?
I believe in the power of knowing the 1,000 most common sight words. Fluency and comprehension cannot progress until sight words are no longer a hindrance.