David
Certified Tutor
Over the last 7 years, I have been tutoring Anatomy & Physiology as well as Biology for 51Թ. In addition to tutoring, I have also taught Motor Learning & Behaviour at Trinity University and Anatomy and Physiology at Chamberlain University as a visiting Professor pre-pandemic. My educational background includes a B.S. in Biological Sciences from the University of Pittsburgh, an M.S. in Physiology from Wright State University, and an extensive career in the fitness/yoga industry for 20 plus years, Teaching and tutoring Anatomy & Physiology as well as Biology has been a blessing to have an impact on students to pursue their educational and career goals. I also have experience working with students with ADHD and Asperger's. 51Թ is THE best at providing professional tutoring for reaching student goals and dreams. 2020 has obviously changed the dynamics of students to prepare, assimilate, and retain information. Not only to meet weekly online assignments but also to prepare for upcoming exams and quizzes. My tutoring philosophy, "Begins with the end in mind" entails imagining how you will feel after completing your final exam and walking out of the room with so much knowledge and the grade you always wanted. The confidence gained from having a strong grasp of Biology, Anatomy, and Physiology will always carry over to a multitude of career paths. I hope you cross the 51Թ' path!!
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Undergraduate Degree: University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus - Bachelors, Biological Sciences
Graduate Degree: Wright State University-Main Campus - Masters, Exercise Physiology
My hobbies include yoga and meditation, reading philosophy and topics related to Spirituality.
- Anatomy
- Anatomy & Physiology
- AP Biology
- Biology
- Cell Biology
- College Biology
- Ecology
- Elementary School Science
- High School Biology
- Medicine
- Molecular Genetics
- Other
- Physiology
- Sports, Exercise and Health Science
- Yoga
What is your teaching philosophy?
Effective listening, focus, and attention to basic learning styles that fit to students needs and style of learning(auditory, visual, writing) to enhance long-term memory, not short.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
Inquire about academic needs, listen effectively, repeat basic requirements to empower confidence, reinforce with positive verbal and non verbal cues, and give homework!
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
Read on your own with suggested readings and handouts, and give a summary of what you got from reading on your own. Reading is fundamental.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
Keep reading and take notes on paper. Writing things down with passion for a subject empowers confidence and wanting to share this with a tutor. Always set weekly goals and homework!
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
Start with basic concepts to let the student know that this difficulty is only in their mind, and they can become excellent in this skill and concept. Skills can be developed with practice, but your attitude is determined by your attitude.
How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?
Read out loud to me! Look for the beginning of paragraphs for subject matter, and remember factual information and details. Buy a highlighter and underline key points, and then write them down.
What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?
Effective listening, not superficial comments. Set short-term goals (1-2 weeks) and long-term goals (1-2 months) depending on age and what stage of change they are in. Everyone is different when it comes to where they are at for motivation and what they need for reinforcement.
How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?
Share with them the subjects I excelled in through not letting initial struggles get me down. When in doubt, look about! Always ask for directions. My initial struggle became my best subject.
What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?
I have found that some students respond well to visual graphs or videos, some students respond well to listening, and others just need to be listened to and express their frustrations. Also, lending out new handouts on the material goes a long way.
How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?
Letting students know that their confidence will grow as they gain knowledge in subject matter, and that this in in their control through reading, practice and sharing with the tutor.
How do you evaluate a student's needs?
First, by body language, passion to learn, and starting level. Some students need verbal reinforcement, some need non-verbal. Visual learners' needs are different than those of auditory learners. Some need both visual and auditory, and the beauty is to connect to those needs and see them improve.
How do you adapt your tutoring to the student's needs?
By checking their progress and listening once again to their daily schedule, and perhaps a change in their routines that prevents them from reaching their weekly goals. Perhaps lessening their weekly work load might be in order if they feel overwhelmed. This is where listening rules!
What types of materials do you typically use during a tutoring session?
Video, music, quotes, books, basketballs, soccer balls, Frisbees, art, etc. It depends on the needs. Great question!