James
Certified Tutor
Undergraduate Degree: University of North Carolina at Wilmington - Bachelors, Mathematics
Surfing, Sailing, Swimming, Snorkeling, Cooking, Gardening
What is your teaching philosophy?
My teaching philosophy is quite simple. Present complicated subject matter in a way that is simple, thorough, diverse, and will limit future anxiety when it comes to math.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
Go over the initial homework assignment or test preparation. Due to my extensive experience, I can assess usually within the first 20 minutes most of a student's shortcomings that need attention.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
By explaining, with simple methods, new approaches to learning on one's own.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
With open communication, as well as allowing access to contact me anytime to provide assistance.
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
Give them an entirely new approach to the subject matter.
What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?
Developing a trusting relationship involving humor and respect.
How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?
With laughter.
What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?
I would make sure they understand all vocabulary first to make sure they know what all the questions are asking. Then I would follow up with a few questions that I can make up to assess that all angles have been covered with respect to the subject at hand.
How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?
With repetition and a variety of approaches to different situations that arise within the subject matter. Also by providing positive reinforcement along the way.
How do you evaluate a student's needs?
With years of experience to draw from, I can assess a student's needs usually within the first tutoring session by both asking where they are weak and reviewing some simple questions I can prepare on the spot.
How do you adapt your tutoring to the student's needs?
By getting on the student's level using humor and a comfortable, friendly interaction. Through a quick conversation, I can see how the student learns best and alter my approach accordingly.
What types of materials do you typically use during a tutoring session?
I prefer the student's book, the internet, and my 15 years of experience, which allows me to make up problems on the fly as we go.
How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?
By thoroughly going through all the vocabulary within the problem and making sure that they truly know what each word means. I have found that many students are not fully aware of the proper definition, and obviously without this knowledge, moving forward becomes difficult.