Christopher
Certified Tutor
I have been a private tutor for about 2 years. I have worked with a wide range of students, from elementary students as well as tutoring at the college level for upper level science courses. Being a recent college graduate, I believe I am able to connect with students more easily and understand their perspective when approaching difficult topics. I am patient with my students and always do my preparation before a lesson so that my time with the student is efficient. I strive to not only teaching the material in an effective manner, but instill the confidence needed so that the student can flourish in the classroom setting. I believe it is my combination of subject mastery, diligence and desire to teach that makes me a successful tutor.
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Undergraduate Degree: University of Maryland-College Park - Bachelor of Science, Neurobiology & Physiology
Fitness, fashion, sports, science, gaming
- Algebra
- Anatomy & Physiology
- Biology
- Chemistry
- College Biology
- College Chemistry
- DAT Perceptual Ability
- DAT Quantitative Reasoning
- DAT Reading Comprehension
- DAT Survey of the Natural Sciences
- Graduate Test Prep
- High School Biology
- High School Chemistry
- Math
- Organic Chemistry
- Physiology
- Science
What is your teaching philosophy?
To get students to think about science as a process and to individualize the learning process.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
I always start by trying to establish a connection with my students. I like to see what personal interests they have, what background they come from, and if we have anything in common.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
By providing my personal study strategies and what I think would be best for the student, in addition to time management skills.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
By knowing the student on a personal level, hopefully, I will be able to figure out what drives the student and utilize that in a way that applies to the subject at hand.
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
Take a different approach. There's always more than one way to look at something correctly. It's my job to figure out the right lenses for my student.
How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?
Take it step by step. It may be easier to see the big picture in smaller chunks.
What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?
Providing the student with adequate practice problems to do on their own but with my guidance if necessary.
How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?
Again, I would try to make them see how the subject at hand can be applied to their personal interests on some level.
What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?
I would formulate novel questions that require the student to apply the concept rather than mimic what we might have gone over during the lesson.
How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?
Practice. If a student is able to see themselves work through a problem, they gain confidence. I don't move on until I see that the student is able to successfully complete problems they might encounter in exams or homework.
How do you evaluate a student's needs?
I usually start off by asking if there was any previous material that they specifically had trouble with. I can usually figure out the student's level after a few diagnostic questions.
How do you adapt your tutoring to the student's needs?
I have always catered to my students in terms of what they need. No two professors want exactly the same thing, so it is my job to be able to adapt the lesson accordingly. Through years of experience, I have been able to accomplish this fairly quickly.
What types of materials do you typically use during a tutoring session?
I usually use the student's materials, which can include worksheets, past and practice exams, and textbook questions. I also have my notes on hand and several workbooks I have purchased (such as AP and SAT books) for certain subjects that have many questions.