
Dance
Certified Tutor
Undergraduate Degree: University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown - Bachelors, Humanities
Graduate Degree: Widener University-Harrisburg Campus - PHD, Law, Juris Doctorate
LSAT: 165
Travel, reading, being a parent
American Literature
British Literature
College English
College Level American Literature
College Political Science
High School Political Science
Philosophical Ethics
Political Science
Social Sciences
What is your teaching philosophy?
I believe that every student learns in a different way, so establishing a connection helps center in on what you need to improve and how I can help you get there. Through conversation, practice problems, and review, we can work together to improve your understanding of the subject or test.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
At first, it's important to get to know each other and discuss why you've sought tutoring. Once I know your opinion of where you stand, we can focus in on what needs the most work and go from there.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
Becoming an independent learner is an important skill no matter what education or career you are pursuing. By focusing on reading techniques and study patterns, we can help you help yourself in the future.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
Allow yourself breaks, and allow yourself mistakes. This applies to every aspect of life, especially when dealing with difficult subject matter.
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
Review the skill or concept and focus in on what isn't clicking. By realizing the obstacle, we can form a plan to get around it.
How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?
Reading comprehension can be difficult, especially when faced with long passages or difficult syntax. By reading the question first and recognizing what sort of passage you are dealing with, you can help yourself spot what is important in the passage.
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 think. Everybody is different, and it's important to recognize what kind of learner the student is.
How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?
You have to see the bigger picture. History isn't a series of facts, but a larger complex story of humanity. The LSAT isn't just a series of questions, but a preparation for the first year of law school. Once you tie the subject to your bigger motivations, learning the subject itself becomes just another step in the path.
What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?
Practice tests! Every major test out there has practice tests that are designed to test comprehension while giving hands on experience. They are invaluable.
How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?
Practice tests...again! Watching your test scores tick upwards is a satisfying feeling that shows you're on the right path. I am a very motivational person, but it has to come from within. Confidence is key!
How do you evaluate a student's needs?
By combining conversation with assessment questions, we can focus in on what you need to succeed in the subject or test.
How do you adapt your tutoring to the student's needs?
I have learned many tutoring techniques, but not all apply to all students. By working with you and talking things through, we can focus on what works best for you.
What types of materials do you typically use during a tutoring session?
Practice tests, example questions, and diagrams, depending on the subject matter.