Collin
Certified Tutor
I am a recent graduate from UMBC's Information Systems program. I have been tutoring privately for the past six years, ever since High School. I do mostly math, but can provide homework help in a variety of subjects. I work primarily with Middle School students, but also have experience with High School and College students. I believe that every student learns differently, and I seek to determine the learning style of each of my students.
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Undergraduate Degree:University of Maryland-Baltimore County- Bachelors, Information Systems
Video Games, Puzzles, Computer Science, Ancient History
- Algebra
- Algebra 2
- College Algebra
- Geometry
- Homework Support
- Math
- Middle School Math
- Other
- Pre-Algebra
- Trigonometry
What is your teaching philosophy?
Every student can learn the material, even if it takes a bit longer. There is a way to explain everything to a student so they understand; I just have to find it.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
Familiarize myself with where they are in their course and what they need help with, and become familiar with the student's personality/individual needs.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
Teaching them study techniques that will benefit them.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
By giving the student words of encouragement, ensuring them that they are capable of completing the problems.
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
Explain it in a way that I believe will help them understand and then go through practice examples with them.
How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?
I would teach them comprehension techniques that I think may help them based upon their personal abilities (such as graphic techniques and rephrasing).
What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?
The biggest strategy that I utilize when I start with a student is learning where their weaknesses are and focusing on those areas.
How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?
I will come up with a way to relate that strategy to their life or hobbies. For instance, if someone is having difficulty in science, I may introduce them to interesting applications to draw interest in the subject
What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?
With math, I will have the student complete practice problems step by step in front of me to see that they understand. I will make myself available for questions, but will encourage them to try to work it out on their own.
How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?
I would encourage them, as well as help them work through their problems. When an achievement milestone is reached, such as understanding a major part of the subject, I would make the student aware of this.
How do you evaluate a student's needs?
I start by asking them questions about how they feel about the subject, and then work through some samples with them to evaluate their skill level.
How do you adapt your tutoring to the student's needs?
Every student learns a different way, and I try to change my tutoring style to reflect this. For example, when working with a visual learner, I draw pictures and diagrams to illustrate the problem.