
Nicole
Certified Tutor
Undergraduate Degree: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities - Current Undergrad, Biology, General
ACT Composite: 31
ACT English: 31
ACT Math: 32
ACT Science: 32
SAT Composite (1600 scale): 1450
SAT Writing: 720
Knitting, Reading, Watching Grey's Anatomy, Watching baseball, football, and hockey, Photography, Baking Cookies, Traveling, Shopping
AP
AP English Language and Composition
AP US Government
AP US History
College Biology
College Chemistry
College English
College Geography
College Level American History
Comparative Literature
Elementary School Math
High School Biology
High School Chemistry
High School English
High School Geography
High School Level American History
Homework Support
Honors Chemistry
Laboratory
Medical Terminology
Other
Photography
Social Sciences
Study Skills
Study Skills and Organization
Summer
US History
What is your teaching philosophy?
I believe that a good tutoring relationship provides students with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive academically and to succeed in accomplishing their goals. Becoming a good tutor requires a genuine interest in those students as well as a willingness to help them with whatever they need to flourish. As a tutor, I will not only demonstrate a positive and enthusiastic attitude about all assignments, I will also act as a positive role model for those who need tutoring inside of sessions and out. Moreover, I will empower students to develop their own strengths, beliefs, and personal attributes while utilizing my own to do so. I will exemplify the value of ongoing learning and growth and ensure that my students know that I value their opinions and initiatives just as much, if not more so, as my own. Most importantly, I will provide guidance and constructive feedback to the students so that they can better identify and use their current strengths to their advantage throughout the year through the employment of communication methods tailored to the needs of each individual student. Each student is different, which means each student learns and grows differently. Therefore, I hope to develop more personal relationships with each one so that each student can find fulfillment and success in their unique paths.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
First, I would get to know the student and their expectations and find out what their learning style is. This way, I can determine the student's goals and what areas of their studies they want to concentrate on. Second, I would determine the student's knowledge by assessing their skills and understanding in relation to their grade level to develop a plan for where they want to be or where they want to go. Third, I would work to make a positive impression on the student so that they are comfortable and motivated to learn. Last, I would collaborate with the student to develop a plan of action and engage in open communication to incorporate them into the learning process.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
I can provide students with opportunities to self-monitor, use questioning as scaffolding to independent learning, offer models of behavior, develop communication that includes language focused on learning, provide written and/or oral feedback on classwork and homework, encourage collaboration, give students choices and encourage them to set their own learning goals, involve students in lesson planning, and encourage students to be reflective.