Samantha
Certified Tutor
Undergraduate Degree: Northern Illinois University - Bachelors, Political Science and Government
Graduate Degree: Northern Illinois University College of Law - Masters, Law
In my free time I love to run, read, and play with my puppy.
American Literature
College Application Essays
College English
Elementary School Math
Elementary School Reading
Elementary School Science
Elementary School Writing
High School English
High School Level American Literature
High School Physics
High School Writing
Middle School Reading
Middle School Reading Comprehension
Middle School Writing
Other
Spelling Bee
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
I like to work through an example problem with a student and then have the student work through a similar problem on their own while they explain to me what steps they are taking to solve the problem. As students vocalize what they need to do at each step of the problem, they begin to internalize the steps so that the next time they come across a similar problem, they know what to do. I also like to encourage students to use the information they know. Even if they have never done the exact problem we are working on, have they ever done anything similar and what can they use from that previous experience to help them now? I want my students to get as far with a problem as they can on their own before I offer assistance to complete the problem.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
I like to offer my students encouraging feedback as well as take short breaks when a student appears to be getting restless. Making mistakes is a part of learning and should not be looked at as a negative part of the process.
How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?
I like to make sure students read the material in different ways. I will read out loud to the student, have the student read out loud to me, and have the student read the material silently to themselves to see if the student gets different benefits from each way. I also encourage students to work with a very short passage and read it over and over to see how much they can get out of the passage through close and careful reading. Finally, I will prepare questions about a short passage for the student to answer and have the student read the questions prior to reading the passage so that the student knows what to look for while reading.
How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?
I like to give students real life examples of when the subject will help them in real life so that the student further understands the reasons to learn the subject. I also like to be goofy when working with younger students. Having fun with a lesson will help the students have fun with the subject.
What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?
I like to re-evaluate a student's performance as they learn to see where they are at with checkpoint quizzes.
How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?
I like to show a student their previous work to show them how much progress they have made.
How do you adapt your tutoring to the student's needs?
I work with both younger and older students. I like to be sure to design material that is appropriate to the student's age. I also balance between working on a student's school work and preparing review material for the student for our tutoring sessions.
What types of materials do you typically use during a tutoring session?
When students have school work they would like to complete, I will focus on that. Otherwise, I will bring practice questions, quizzes, reading material, and activities with me.
What is your teaching philosophy?
Teaching allows me to work with a variety of people in a variety of circumstance. I believe that everyone has something to offer, and I frequently find that I learn as much from my students as they learn from me.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
I like to introduce myself to a student as well as find out a little bit about them. I also like to evaluate where a student is at with a subject as well as find out how they learn best so I can plan future tutoring sessions and prepare materials for the student.
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
I would present the information another way and the lesson plans for the student. I also look to see which specific areas they were struggling with the most, and then I would try to review that particular area with the student in a more focused session.
What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?
I make sure to read any syllabi or class materials the student has. I also like to look at their old exams or graded material to see where a student is and what they need assistance with.
How do you evaluate a student's needs?
I get assessments to determine where a student is at with the subject. I also have students speak out loud to me as they work through a problem so I can determine which part of the process they are struggling with.