Bethany
Certified Tutor
Undergraduate Degree:Saint Vincent College- Bachelors, English
Graduate Degree:University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus- Masters, English
reading, hanging out with my husband and family, hiking, playing with my huskies, traveling, sight-seeing, watching the Pens, Pirates and Steelers, visiting zoos and Victorian mansions, playing the violin, and dancing
College English
Comparative Literature
High School English
Other
Study Skills
Study Skills and Organization
Summer
What is your teaching philosophy?
I believe that each client's learning style is different and that an instructor's methods should be as personalized as possible for each individual student. I also believe that students should have ownership over their work. Instead of stating what is the "right" way to do something or simply giving students the answers, I focus my instruction on acting as a scaffold for the students so that I can slowly remove my support as they build their own foundations. Finally, I believe that education should be interesting and relevant for clients of all ages. As a result, I strive to keep my methods and examples current and relatable.
你会做什么在一个典型的第一次会议a student?
In a first session with a student, I usually take some of the session time to get to know the student and note what instructional methods work for the student, the student's interests and what the student hopes to accomplish. I can then use this information to work with the student and set up a plan of action and reasonable goals for us to meet. Discussing the student's learning style and interests also help me to establish a more personalized plan. Finally, I find it helpful to have the student complete a short assessment so that we have a benchmark to measure his or her improvement.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
I have two key methods for helping students to become independent learners. First, I consistently model how I complete work and signpost the methods and techniques I'm using so that students can begin to use these processes themselves. I also use a scaffolding method throughout instruction so that I can provide full support initially, but slowly remove my support and allow the students to become more and more independent as they get more comfortable with the material.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
设置更小,more manageable goals on the way to the ultimate goal helps to keep students motivated. I also incorporate the students' interests and topics that the students are invested in to help the sessions remain relevant, relatable and engaging. I also encourage students by pointing out what they are doing right, even if they haven't mastered all of the material yet or got the wrong answer for a practice question. Learning isn't always displayed just by getting the right answer. Learning the process of getting to the right answer is just as important as getting the right answer.
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
There is no such thing as a student that cannot learn. If a student is having difficulty mastering a topic that simply means that my method of instruction isn't quite right for this particular student. Instead, I will work through other methods of instruction until I find one that clicks.