Connect with a tutor like John
Undergraduate Degree: Evangel University - Bachelors, Applied Mathematics
Chess, violin, working out, swimming, listening to music
- Algebra
- Algebra 3/4
- Calculus
- Math
- Middle School Math
- Pre-Algebra
- Pre-Calculus
What is your teaching philosophy?
Clarity, encouragement, excitement, and empathy.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
I would explore the student's ability and personal approaches. For this, empathy may be the key in terms of outlook. Tutoring math is rewarding, and I would want to get the struggling student to see some immediate encouragement, wherever the student is at. After a diagnosis, I could help the student move forward in a systematic way until we are all set for the class!
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
I would try to break down the pieces of that concept, and solidify anything that builds up to that concept. Encouragement along the way is key. I could do some examples--explaining along the way for the concept as if from a math textbook--only this may be easier.
How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?
I would point towards the little pointers on what the math problem is saying. For algebra, this can be important because of order of operations, for example.
What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?
I would say that doing complete examples has been an indispensable tool.
How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?
Perhaps I could relate it to their lives! If this is difficult, there is always the method of being very positive and pleased when a student does well. This has implications for other things in life as it is simple discipline.
What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?
Going through a sufficient amount of the problem genre along with refreshers from previous lessons.
How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?
By encouraging and pointing towards accomplishments, along with helping the student to have a good outlook in general.
How do you evaluate a student's needs?
By observing and probing through the student's work and thoughts on a given task.
How do you adapt your tutoring to the student's needs?
By observing where the student is at, the current mentality involved, and other features, it becomes easier to understand and work with the student as a unique individual.
What types of materials do you typically use during a tutoring session?
I make use of the internet. I may also be able to simply use a textbook.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
By encouraging them and pointing them towards the results of a diligent worker.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
By helping the student find a suitable learning style/technique.