Drew
Certified Tutor
I am a firm believer in the concept of self-directed learning. To me, learning is not about memorizing facts and numbers (although I do love facts) but about creating your own experience. Learning truly becomes passion when it asks as much from the student as it gives back. My role as a tutor is to be a collaborator. I am here to challenge and help, but I am not here to direct the learning. That must come from the student. I truly believe that this approach leads to more passionate and better students.
I am a professional improv coach and performer as well. I feel those skills help me be a better tutor. Flexibility is important in maximizing a students potential. I am also obsessed with historical non-fiction. I can talk history for hours.
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Undergraduate Degree: Millikin University - Bachelors, Theater
Graduate Degree: Columbia College - Masters, Interdisciplinary Arts
- ACT Reading
- ACT Writing
- American Literature
- Art History
- College English
- College Level American History
- College Level American Literature
- College World History
- Elementary School Math
- Elementary School Reading
- Elementary School Writing
- English
- English Grammar and Syntax
- European History
- Geography
- High School English
- High School Geography
- High School Level American History
- High School Level American Literature
- High School World History
- High School Writing
- History
- Math
- Middle School Reading
- Middle School Reading Comprehension
- Middle School Writing
- Public Speaking
- Social Studies
- Spelling Bee
- Test Prep
- World History
- World Religions
- Writing
How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?
The best thing to do is break something down into simpler concepts. Also with comprehension, often an oral approach yields better results. Speaking or listening to the words uses different parts of our brains.
How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?
I might give them some interesting trivia in the subject. Or, better yet, find a way to get it to relate directly to their lives.
How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?
By starting small and simple. If a person can grasp basic concepts first, they get that all-important foothold. It is like the first steps of any journey. They don't have to be large, but they do have to be taken.
What is your teaching philosophy?
My philosophy is based on self-directed learning. I believe that my role is less of a teacher and more of a collaborator. I am here to challenge and work with, not to guide the whole process.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
Ice breakers. We might play some games to get used to each other. I would also do an evaluation of the student's passion and knowledge in the subject.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
By challenging them. Nothing that comes easy is worth remembering, or even caring about.