Joel
Certified Tutor
It is my opinion that the largest reason a student doesn't like any given subject is that it hasn't been explained properly. Not understanding a subject matter, especially math, can lead to major frustration. I believe that given the right amount of help any student can start to enjoy the subject matter and enjoy learning in general.
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Undergraduate Degree: Milwaukee School of Engineering - Current Undergrad, Actuarial Science
Soccer, Pool, Math
- 9th Grade Math
- ACT Math
- Algebra
- Algebra 2
- Algebra 3/4
- Calculus
- College Algebra
- Differential Equations
- Math
- Probability
- Test Prep
What is your teaching philosophy?
The best way for a student to learn is to do the problems or examples themselves. The tutor can help explain and walk the student through the problem, but they will not learn the subject until they do the work themselves.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
Go though some examples to assess where the student is at, and what he/she is struggling with.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
Teach them the correct approach to the problem; how to set up and use the formulas, and learn to interpret tricky wording.
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
Example problems at various levels. Do some easy examples to ensure they grasp the concepts and method of solving the problem. Then slowly increase the difficulty at a pace that will help them learn without falling behind.
What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?
Walking through example problems. Start with easy problems and work towards more complicated ones.
How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?
I think that once a subject matter clicks and the student is able to understand the material, the excitement grows on its own. Most students just get frustrated with math because they don't understand it.
What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?
Examples examples examples.
How do you evaluate a student's needs?
Assessing what they already know and where they begin to get off track/ get problems wrong.
What types of materials do you typically use during a tutoring session?
The online platform, a calculator and paper.
How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?
Help them master simpler problems so they have a solid base to build up more complicated material.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
Positive encouragement and reinforcing subject areas they are comfortable with.
How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?
Practice.
How do you adapt your tutoring to the student's needs?
Take the time to get to know the student in order to know what they are struggling with.