Charlene
Certified Tutor
我是阿默斯特学院的毕业生主要focus in political philosophy. In high school, I was the recipient of the Continental Mathematics League award and earned a near perfect score on my math SATs. I have instructed students 2nd through 12th grade at a math tutoring center where I acquired a variety of methods for teaching math skills and numerical fluency. My personal strength is in identifying an individual's challenges and figuring out an approach that will work with that person's style of thinking. I excel at making math fun and interesting for students. I am also conversational in Spanish. In my spare time, I enjoy hanging out with my kids, hiking, watching movies, listening to podcasts and playing with our new cat.
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Undergraduate Degree:Amherst College- Bachelor in Arts, Political Science and Government
Hiking, movies, travel
- 10th Grade
- 10th Grade Math
- 11th Grade Math
- 11th Grade Reading
- 12th Grade Math
- 12th Grade Reading
- 1st Grade Math
- 2nd Grade Math
- 3rd Grade Math
- 3rd Grade Science
- 4th Grade
- 4th Grade Math
- 5th Grade
- 5th Grade Math
- 6th Grade
- 6th Grade Math
- 7th Grade
- 7th Grade Math
- 8年级
- 8年级Math
- 8年级Reading
- 8年级Writing
- 9th Grade
- 9th Grade Math
- 9th Grade Reading
- Adult Literacy
- Algebra
- Algebra 2
- Arithmetic
- College Algebra
- College English
- College Math
- Conversational French
- Elementary Algebra
- Elementary Math
- Elementary School
- Elementary School Math
- Elementary School Science
- English
- French
- French 2
- High School
- High School English
- 自主学习
- Intermediate Algebra
- Languages
- Linear Algebra
- Math
- Middle School
- Middle School Math
- Middle School Reading
- Middle School Writing
- Non-Euclidean Geometry
- 越南河粉nics
- Pre-Algebra
- Reading
- SAT Math
- SAT Mathematics
- SAT Subject Test in Mathematics Level 1
- SAT Subject Test in Mathematics Level 2
- SAT Subject Tests Prep
- Science
- Study Skills
- Study Skills and Organization
- Summer
- Test Prep
What is your teaching philosophy?
My approach is to listen to where the student is at and try to work with them at their level and learning style. I believe that there are many ways to solve a math problem, and the best method is the one that works best for that individual. I also like to introduce easier methods of calculation and focus on the bigger concept rather than rote memorization. I believe that math can be learned at any level by everyone. If math isn't fun, it's just because something got in the way!
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
I think an important part of coaching is to not only instruct but also to step back and let students do problems by themselves, so they do not become conditioned to only do math with someone helping them.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
I believe that the greatest motivator is watching themselves be successful. So even if it is only a small success, play it up so they can feel proud of themselves!
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
I try different approaches. Sometimes just asking the student what he or she is thinking can reveal what's blocking the way. Breaking it down into smaller pieces, until the student is able to understand even the most basic concept and taking small steps from there, usually works too.
How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?
Vocabulary is often a roadblock to reading comprehension, and I will explain not only what words mean but also sentences and paragraphs. Then I let the student re-read that portion so they can see how it is interpreted.
What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?
Observing and listening are the best ways to get to know a student. If I step back and let them lead the way, they will usually either show in their work or just say what the problem is for them.
How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?
Small successes are always encouraging. Also relating concepts to the real world of science, geometry and physics can help them relate to math as a 'real' science.
How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?
Always start with what the student knows and bring that to their attention. They already know some things! Then highlight any success, no matter how minimal.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
I'd try get to know a little a more about the student, their interests, style and where they are coming from in terms of their academic challenges. Generally, but especially in the beginning, I try to approach questions in a collaborative style, working on each problem together.
What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?
Sometimes I use leading questions in a Socratic method; other times I use direct teaching. It depends on the student. I try to tailor the method to the individual student.
How do you evaluate a student's needs?
I start by asking the student what he or she needs. If they are not sure, I go over some problems with them and see if I can observe a pattern or issue that is coming up. Ultimately, it usually becomes clearer over time.