Sirish
Certified Tutor
I graduated from Watkins Mill High School in 2013 with an IB Diploma. Currently, I am a student at University of Maryland's Honors College majoring in Neurobiology and Physiology, and minoring in Mathematics. I've tutored elementary school students in basic science with a professor from the Chemistry department, as well as high school students in Algebra 1 at the University of Maryland. My favorite subjects to teach are Math and Chemistry. My teaching philosophy is to strengthen my student's basic understanding of subjects and get them to understand the topic rather than just memorize (which unfortunately is how most public schools work). I approach teaching from the perspective that my students should learn not just what to think, but how to think. This way, they can apply their knowledge to any problem and actually retain what they've learned. When I'm not tutoring, I enjoy watching TV (who doesn't?) as well as cooking. I also enjoy swimming, hiking, and exercising in general. I'm also very involved in working for campaigns in the public's interest, such as campaigning to reduce pollution in Maryland waters as well to stop the overuse of antibiotics. I feel as if I'm a very good communicator and tutor, and am more than capable of teaching students how to think critically and correctly about any subject.
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Undergraduate Degree: University of Maryland-College Park - Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
- ACT Composite: 31
- ACT Math: 34
- ACT Reading: 34
- SAT Composite (1600 scale): 1410
- SAT Math: 700
Watching TV, working out, napping
- ACT Math
- Algebra
- Algebra 2
- Algebra 3/4
- AP Biology
- AP Calculus AB
- Arithmetic
- Cell Biology
- Chemistry
- College Algebra
- College Biology
- College Chemistry
- Evolutionary Biology
- Finite Mathematics
- General Biology
- Geometry
- Graduate Test Prep
- High School Chemistry
- IB Chemistry
- IB Chemistry SL
- IB Mathematical Studies SL
- IB Mathematics SL
- IB Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches
- IB Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation
- Math
- MCAT Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems
- MCAT Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems
- MCAT Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior
- Middle School Math
- Pre-Algebra
- Pre-Calculus
- SAT Subject Test in Biology E/M
- SAT Subject Tests Prep
- Statistics
- Test Prep
- Trigonometry
What is your teaching philosophy?
My teaching philosophy is to help my students build a concrete base of knowledge, so that they can manipulate and apply what they've learned to any situation.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
I always introduce myself, let them introduce themselves, and lay out what I'm going to teach them in that session. I like to take things a little slow and introduce new subjects slowly, so that I know where my student is and how they learn best.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
By asking a lot of questions and getting them involved rather than lecturing. This way, they can ask themselves similar questions when they learn new topics.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
Focus on what they are good at and address very specifically what they may not be as good at. This way, their strengths are highlighted and their weaknesses not ignored.
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
Address the source of their difficulty, which can be done if they are asked to work through it step-by-step. Then, highlight what is incorrect in their methodology.
What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?
Start on a subject that they already know and work forwards from there by building off of it. Always keep in mind what they know and don't know so you don't teach them too much or too little.
How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?
If they're struggling with a subject, a brand new approach is often needed to eliminate their struggle. This can involve visual aid, mnemonics, or videos. The change of pace will spark interest in the topic
What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?
Usage of visual aids, such as videos or illustrations, are very important. Practicing material immediately after teaching it is another way to understand it well.
How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?
Giving them questions that they can answer correctly is one way to build confidence. Acknowledging their intelligence is also very important.
How do you evaluate a student's needs?
I evaluate a student's needs by frequently asking if a subject is confusing. I also assess their needs by their answers to questions I give them.
How do you adapt your tutoring to the student's needs?
Since this is student-dependent, I have to allocate resources to where the student struggles most. I also switch the style of teaching; for example, basing it more on practicing concepts than lecturing.
What types of materials do you typically use during a tutoring session?
Typically I use a computer for supplemental help, such as to do practice problems. I use different colors of pens and different types of paper, especially when tutoring math.
How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?
Reading is always better with notes since you can remember much more on paper than you can in your head. This includes highlighting or marking important details while reading.