Michael
Certified Tutor
Undergraduate Degree: University of California-Los Angeles - Bachelors, Liberal Arts
Graduate Degree: CSUN - Masters, Teaching
Reading, Socializing, Netflix
10th Grade Reading
10th Grade Writing
11th Grade Reading
11th Grade Writing
12th Grade Reading
12th Grade Writing
4th Grade Reading
4th Grade Writing
5th Grade Reading
5th Grade Writing
6th Grade Reading
6th Grade Writing
7th Grade Reading
7th Grade Writing
8th Grade Reading
8th Grade Writing
9th Grade Reading
9th Grade Writing
Academic Coaching
Adult Literacy
American Literature
College English
College Level American Literature
Elementary School Math
Elementary School Reading
Elementary School Writing
High School English
High School Level American Literature
High School Writing
Homework Support
Middle School English
Middle School Reading
Middle School Reading Comprehension
Middle School Writing
Other
Study Skills
Study Skills and Organization
Summer
What is your teaching philosophy?
My philosophy of teaching is that anyone can learn in their own way. There is no such thing as an unteachable student. Since everyone learns differently, my job is to make sure I deliver the material in a way that each student can understand.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
In a typical first session, I would want to find out what the tutoring goal is. This will help us both determine how much tutoring is needed and for how long. In addition, I will be looking for the student's learning style and any other cues that will better help me teach him or her.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
I can help a student become an independent learner by assessing how much he or she can do on his or her own--without my help--and by checking for understanding. In other words, ask the student to explain certain parts of the material or to complete certain tasks, etc. The amount of progress we make during each session will also serve as yardsticks with which to measure how independent they are on certain tasks.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
To keep students motivated, I would use a lot of praise and positive reinforcement. I would also continually show them their progress so they can see what they achieved.
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
I would try to teach the concept in a new way and/or try a different teaching method, like a video or other online demonstration.
How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?
If we are reading together, I would break down the information in simpler terms or terms they could better understand. I would also ask them to periodically put the information they just read in their own words so I can make sure they are really getting it.
How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?
I would encourage them not to stress over it, not to take potentially unfavorable results personally, and that if they put in the effort and stay positive, the results will eventually come.
What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?
I would constantly check for understanding and ask the student to repeat back to me (or to put in their own words) what they just learned.
How do you evaluate a student's needs?
I evaluate their current work, their ability level, and the amount and difficulty of work that is ahead of them.
What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?
Getting to know the student and how they work and learn, teaching at their speed, and breaking things down into manageable chunks.
How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?
Verbal praise, taking things slowly, making sure to celebrate small victories, and taking away any fear they may have by showing them small successes.
How do you adapt your tutoring to the student's needs?
Breaking down material in a way they can understand, teaching a concept in a different way, or, if necessary, working at their pace.
What types of materials do you typically use during a tutoring session?
Paper, pen, whiteboard, markers, calculator, dictionary (can be online or app-based), and the Internet.