
Douglas
Certified Tutor
Undergraduate Degree: Boston University - Bachelors, Geology
Graduate Degree: University of California-Santa Barbara - Masters, Environmental Science & Management
drawing, painting, sports, nature
College Biology
Ecology
High School Biology
High School Chemistry
What is your teaching philosophy?
Respect for students, teaching at an appropriate level based on the student's background, and dedication to teaching science as a process accessible to all.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
Determine their standing in a class, desired goals, and areas of difficulty - then tailor teaching to meet the stated goals.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
I teach by allowing the student to do the work with hands-on tools and experiments.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
I focus on the end goal while making a little progress every day. Positive feedback and regular recommendations for improvement
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
I attempt multiple approaches until finding the one that works for that student.
How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?
I slow down the reading until I'm sure the material is being understood.
What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?
I use personal introductions, getting to know the student, and making them comfortable before attempting to give them new information.
How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?
I focus the topic on an area of their personal interest, such as sports or the arts. E.g. - How are chemistry and biology important in those fields?
What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?
Ask the student to teach the material back to confirm understanding!
How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?
Encouragement, repetition, and confirming understanding.
How do you evaluate a student's needs?
I discuss needs and goals with the student and/or parent during the introductory meeting
How do you adapt your tutoring to the student's needs?
I identify those needs and focus on them, not other subject areas.
What types of materials do you typically use during a tutoring session?
I use the internet, videos, models, specimens, etc., as needed.