Howard
Certified Tutor
Undergraduate Degree: Austin Peay State University - Bachelors, Biology, General
Graduate Degree: Fuller Theological Seminary in California - Masters, Religion
writing, sports writing, theology, sci/fi, exercising, and community outreach
Cell Biology
College Biology
Ethics
General Biology
Greek
Hebrew
High School Biology
Life Sciences
Other
Physical Science
Poetry Writing
Summer
What is your teaching philosophy?
Students have the mental capacity; they just have to believe they can do it. I am here to help them see their ability.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
Ask them what about this subject that they dislike and love. I would also ask them if they believe they can learn. If they believe then they will be able to achieve.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
I give them helpful habits to start and help them stop non helpful habits that they may be doing. Also, regular reminding and encouragement.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
I always look to encourage what they are doing well by bringing up their successes, no matter how small. I also believe in them.
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
I walk alongside students in helping them learn. It is a together process; they are not learning alone. So if they do not understand it I say, "we will eventually get this together." Then I provide information where it is needed to help them.
How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?
I read with them and also ask them to explain to me the main idea of what they are reading and I do the same back in order to find a mutual understanding.
What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?
Conversation, encouragement, getting to know their likes, hobbies, knowing their parents. Basically establishing a relationship.
How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?
I show them how that subject has impacted their life, the world, and how it could impact those areas in the future.
What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?
Feedback is vital. Verbal feedback and test score feedback are what I look for.
How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?
I continue to focus on their successes, no matter how small.
How do you evaluate a student's needs?
I ask them what their needs are, their goals are, and how I can help them. I also observe and see what they may have as needs that they may not be aware of and I bring those to light.
How do you adapt your tutoring to the student's needs?
I am student-centered. In establishing a relationship, I am also discovering how the student best learns. I also try different methods and observe which work best.
What types of materials do you typically use during a tutoring session?
Paper and pencil, internet, visual aids, textbooks, even musical aids and whatever the student thinks they would need to help them.