Amanda
Certified Tutor
Undergraduate Degree: Charleston Southern University - Bachelors, Economics
Acting, Reading,
Business
Business Calculus
College Economics
High School Business
High School Economics
IB Economics
IB Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation
What is your teaching philosophy?
I have found that the key to a successful session is unlocking the student's personal knowledge of the content being studied and building from there. I use the Socratic method, which poses questions that get the student to think through the concepts and to come to answers that they didn't know they had and filling in the gaps if any. By having a student communicate what they know, they are truly learning as they are "teaching."
How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?
Starting where they are and identifying what they know typically helps build confidence and excitement. A difficult topic for the student can be very intimidating to tackle, but taking one step at a time and identifying the wins over the losses builds confidence and the student's knowledge. Also, a tutoring session is never successful when the tutor is speaking the majority or all of the time. Structuring the session as more of a conversation definitely helps engagement.
What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?
Testing the student's knowledge through checking questions is a good way to evaluate the student's understanding. In mathematics, set up problems that test theories you just discussed. If the student struggles, find out why.
What types of materials do you typically use during a tutoring session?
Depending on the subject, I am always equipped with a pencil, paper, and a calculator. If prompted, I can supply a small dry erase board, or even a textbook if I have it.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
I'd get to know the student, find their strengths and weaknesses, and their learning style. I'd also find what their goals are in the sessions and for the course they're studying.