
Michelle
Certified Tutor
Undergraduate Degree: Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Abington - Bachelors, Art Education
Whitewater boating, Cross Country Skiing, making art
Architecture
Art
Ceramics
Elementary School Math
Elementary School Reading
Elementary School Science
Elementary School Writing
Middle School Reading
Middle School Reading Comprehension
Middle School Writing
Percussion
Photography
Social Sciences
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
By showing them strategies to work independently. Creating excitement so they become motivated.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
Helping them to find correct answers, and teaching them how to do it on their own.
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
Break it down into small steps to see where the issue is. Work on the places where the student struggles.
How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?
Going slow. Questioning small portions of text instead of large. Have the students learn to summarize and paraphrase portions of text in their own words.
What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?
A positive attitude and encouragement.
How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?
Relate it to them.
What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?
Questions and discussion. Practice problems.
How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?
Help them to find correct answers and show them they can do it on their own.
How do you evaluate a student's needs?
I use pre and post tests.
How do you adapt your tutoring to the student's needs?
Through the pacing of instruction.
What types of materials do you typically use during a tutoring session?
Online sites with relevant games and practice, worksheets, student homework material, info from current teachers.
What is your teaching philosophy?
I became a teacher because I believe in the power of the words, "I can." No matter where a student is or was, convincing them and helping them to see they can is powerful. It creates intrinsic motivation. A student can achieve their dreams if they believe they can.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
Get to know the students and assess their current levels.