Rory
Certified Tutor
Learning is a skill that should be gained, enhanced, and used throughout your life. Only then will success come.
Connect with a tutor like Rory
Undergraduate Degree: Utah State University - Bachelors, English
Graduate Degree: Full Sail University - Masters, Creative Writing
Reading, writing, games, travel, movies, hiking.
- American Literature
- College English
- College Level American Literature
- English
- English Grammar and Syntax
- Essay Editing
- High School English
- High School Level American Literature
- High School Writing
- Languages
- Middle School Reading
- Middle School Reading Comprehension
- Middle School Writing
- Spanish
- Spanish 1
- Spanish 2
- Spanish 3
- Writing
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
In a first lesson, we would start by getting to know a little bit about each other, so we know who we are talking to, and asking what they hope to get out of the sessions. After understanding is reached, we can tackle the material.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
By instilling in them a love of learning. Application is always a good choice. If you can relate the lesson to something they care about, they can start to see how learning all sorts of things can improve their lives.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
That depends on the passions of the student. By relating those passions to the lessons, they will have a greater desire to perfect the particular skill. I would also emphasize successes, and downplay the difficulties.
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
I would develop an object lesson that demonstrates the ideas visually and memorably. I would also provide examples that they can relate to.
How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?
With reading comprehension, I believe the best way to help is to take intermittent breaks to ask questions and summarize what has been read previously, so large manuscripts aren't so overwhelming.
What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?
I believe a great strategy is to have the student try and teach me what they have learned. This way, they have to process the information into comprehensible words and ideas that will then be easier for them to understand.
How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?
After having learned what the student is passionate about, I would design a lesson on the subject that specifically relates to their likes and dislikes.
What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?
Aside from the obvious repetition, I would have the student teach it back, and show how it is done.
How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?
I try to always emphasize the positives and successes. When giving criticism, I make sure it is constructive by explaining the problem and making suggestions for possible solutions.
How do you evaluate a student's needs?
Conversation and detailed observation help in determining what a student needs. Body language can speak as loudly as any voice. Looking at their present work also helps in determining where to proceed with the student.
How do you adapt your tutoring to the student's needs?
I adapt by learning about the student. I believe that any kind of lesson can be adjusted to appeal to the student, even if it needs a change of scenery.
What types of materials do you typically use during a tutoring session?
I use books, writing materials either digital or on paper, visual aids if necessary, and anything I determine necessary for the student's learning.
What is your teaching philosophy?
My teaching philosophy is that anyone can learn, but not everyone yet knows how they best learn. Once a teacher understands the student's ideal learning style, lessons can be catered to their needs.