Dina
Certified Tutor
I am a recent Ph.D. graduate in Astrophysics from Clemson University, where I also received my Master's in Astrophysics. In 2010, I graduated from The Ohio State University with degrees in Astronomy, Physics, and Russian. I have been tutoring students in math, science, and standardized test subjects for the past five years, and I would love to help you succeed in whatever subject necessary. When I am not working, I like to participate in public outreach events in math and science.
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Undergraduate Degree: The Ohio State University - Bachelor of Science, Astronomy, Physics, and Russian
Graduate Degree: Clemson University - Masters, Physics-Astrophysics
Stargazing, Hiking, Museums, Public Outreach in STEM fields, Reading, Football, Cats
- 10th Grade Math
- 11th Grade Math
- 12th Grade Math
- 1st Grade Math
- 2nd Grade Math
- 3rd Grade Math
- 3rd Grade Science
- 4th Grade Math
- 4th Grade Science
- 5th Grade Math
- 5th Grade Science
- 6th Grade Math
- 6th Grade Science
- 7th Grade Math
- 7th Grade Science
- 8th Grade Math
- 8th Grade Science
- 9th Grade Math
- ACT Aspire
- ACT English
- ACT Math
- ACT Science
- ACT Writing
- Advanced Placement Prep
- Algebra
- Algebra 2
- Algebra 3/4
- AP Calculus AB
- AP Calculus BC
- Arithmetic
- ASPIRE Math
- ASPIRE Science
- Astronomy
- CAHSEE Mathematics
- Calculus
- CLEP Calculus
- CLEP College Algebra
- CLEP College Mathematics
- CLEP Precalculus
- College Algebra
- College English
- College Essays
- College Math
- COMPASS Mathematics
- Developmental Algebra
- Differential Equations
- Earth Science
- Elementary Algebra
- Elementary Math
- Elementary School Math
- Elementary School Science
- English
- Geometry
- High School Chemistry
- High School English
- Homework Support
- HSPT Math
- IB Mathematical Studies SL
- IB Mathematics HL
- IB Mathematics SL
- IB Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches
- IB Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation
- Intermediate Algebra
- Math
- Middle School Math
- Middle School Science
- Other
- Physical Science
- Pre-Algebra
- Pre-Calculus
- PSAT Prep
- PSAT Critical Reading
- PSAT Mathematics
- Reading
- SAT Math
- SAT Mathematics
- Science
- STAAR Grades 3-8 Prep
- Study Skills
- Study Skills and Organization
- Test Prep
What is your teaching philosophy?
Teachers should engage their students and always strive to be more effective.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
I would get to know the student and pinpoint the specific issues they have in a particular subject.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
I would go through an example, showing the student the step-by-step methods necessary to achieve the correct answer. Then, I would have the student complete a similar problem independently.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
I always describe myself as a student's cheerleader. Nothing makes me happier than helping a student achieve their goals. Motivation comes from the positive reinforcement I employ.
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
I would go back to the basics and show how the concept is actually a natural progression from an easier concept. Then, we would practice the new topic with several examples.
How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?
I find underlining key words and phrases tremendously aids in reading comprehension. Also, many students who struggle with reading comprehension get hung up on difficult vocabulary, so I would define any new words in a fun and exciting way.
What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?
The best strategy is to make the student comfortable with explaining exactly where the issues lie. Communication is key when first starting with a student.
How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?
I would create a game based on the topic.
What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?
I would have the student prove that they have learned the material by either assigning homework or having them show me how to work through a similar problem without any assistance.
How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?
I would start at the basics. Once a foundation is built, we would step-by-step continue adding material to already familiar concepts.
How do you evaluate a student's needs?
I ask what they would like to achieve in our tutoring sessions, and systematically proceed making those goals a reality.
How do you adapt your tutoring to the student's needs?
I listen to them. Whether a student is more visual or needs a quiet environment for working, I am keenly aware of what needs to be done to make them more comfortable.
What types of materials do you typically use during a tutoring session?
I usually use texts, paper, pens, and a calculator. If a subject requires additional references, I use my laptop to show the student supplementary online resources.