
Rebecca
Certified Tutor
Undergraduate Degree: Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus - Bachelors, Advertising
food, sports, fashion, exercise, travel, reading, cooking
College English
College Geography
College Level American History
High School English
High School Geography
High School Level American History
Homework Support
Other
Study Skills
Study Skills and Organization
Summer
What is your teaching philosophy?
I believe that students learn best when they can relate a subject to the real world or experience it themselves. Sometimes, it is hard to relate to a subject in a classroom for 8 hours a day. I wish to give students the most hands-on relatable experience so that they actually understand what they are learning instead of just digesting it.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
I want to go over the student's current situation, their study techniques, subjects being studied, and what's working for them and not. Then we can make a plan together and progress through the timeline in our next sessions.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
Students won't learn anything if their hands are constantly being held. I think a tutor can help the student understand the premise of the subject, but then also assist them in becoming more independent in future processes.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
I would incorporate some fun "studying" along the way. I would incorporate goal setting and for every goal met, assign them a fun activity that relates to a subject matter that they studied.
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
I would either find out a way to teach the concept in a new, more relatable way, or look to a real world example that might help them understand it in a less-confusing manner.
What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?
I think if both the student and the tutor understand what their joint goals are then it is easier to start on that path together. If I understand what a student wants to improve, how they want to move forward and what goals they want to reach, then my tutoring style can be adapted to those steps.
How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?
I would incorporate more hands-on, enjoyable learning activities that excite the student and increase interest to learn.
What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?
Multiple study techniques such as note-taking overhaul, use of notecards, practice quizzes and exams. Mix up the study tools to keep things exciting and see if the combination assists in learning
How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?
Encouragement is key, but also is preparation. I want the student to learn, but I also want them to learn well. If they actually understand the material, then they will be confident in the subject.
How do you evaluate a student's needs?
We sit down together and discuss needs, goals, and objectives. Also, it may be helpful to complete some basic practice tests to see how prepared the student actually is in some areas.
How do you adapt your tutoring to the student's needs?
The student and I need to sit down and discuss their needs. From there and some trial and error tutoring, I can adapt my tutoring to ensure the student's success.
What types of materials do you typically use during a tutoring session?
Practice problems, notecards, notes, review materials, unique practice tailored to each student, hands-on activities
How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?
The best method is to work with the student in intense, one-on-one sessions and see what the real issue is with their reading comprehension. In order to succeed in this field, I need to boost self-confidence and motivation. Again, I need to assess the level of comprehension and create a plan based on their skill/comfort level.