Ken
Certified Tutor
Undergraduate Degree: Southern Illinois University Edwardsville - Bachelors, Speech and Theatre and minor in English
Graduate Degree: Webster College Webster Groves Missouri - Masters, Media Studies
audiophile, record collector
American Literature
College English
College Level American Literature
High School English
High School Level American Literature
High School Writing
Middle School Reading
Middle School Reading Comprehension
Middle School Writing
What is your teaching philosophy?
My approach in a tutoring situation differs from the traditional lecture format that prevails in the classroom setting. That approach presumes that all students are on the same level and the lesson plans are geared to meet course requirements. My approach with the individual is to identify the needs and taper the teaching approach to their level to meet their goals. These make require special exercises and lesson plans.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
I would take the time to conduct a personal interview to determine the level at which they are performing. I would then determine their needs. If some of their work were available, I would peruse it. I would then chart a course. I would have plenty of resource material with me from which I would initiate a program.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
I would expose the student to the related resources. I would then structure the material in a logical progression so they would realize the learning curve.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
I would keep the student motivated by providing materials so that they could see growth. I think a sense of accomplishment is central to motivation.
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
I would focus on the problem area with specific materials and drill. I would also locate many different ways to articulate the concept, perhaps invoking the analogy or metaphor.
How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?
I would explain the structure of the material. How to identify a theme, identify a topic sentence, and how to ferret out the central ideas.
What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?
Establishing rapport and initiating reciprocity and feedback I found to be effective strategies.
How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?
Locate the source of the subject matter that is creating the issues. Take the subject matter to a level where they can see progress. Draw any related material to the subject to create interest. Help them to see the relevance.
What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?
Written and oral testing, and then repeat the process.
How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?
Taking the subject matter to his level, and then letting him enjoy some accomplishment in the tutorial process.
How do you evaluate a student's needs?
By perusing work they have done. Determine the existing level. Specially design tests.
How do you adapt your tutoring to the student's needs?
Determine the level. The needs will determine the pedagogical techniques. A lecture format may be required or an informal interactive approach.
What types of materials do you typically use during a tutoring session?
I have thirty resource works here on my bookshelves as of this writing. Fifteen of them on English Grammar and Composition and fifteen are Magill's Masterplots with outlines of every major work in world literature. I would research student needs, Google appropriate information and print it, and pull from my resources and bring the pertinent information with me.