Aubrey
Certified Tutor
I see myself as a mix of a country and city gal having grown up some years on a farm and some years in the city. International people, far away countries, and interesting ethnic dishes are some things I like. Going to college opened up my eyes to people from different countries, which propelled me to learn two foreign languages while learning tidbits of others in order to welcome them here to my home as well as be prepared to go to theirs-if given the opportunity. When I have free time, I bake or adventure outside either with my kids or by myself.
My experience is mostly in teaching. I've taught foreign languages in the public schools and informally by tutoring. I've also taught and volunteered to teach English both here in the States and in France and Japan. Currently, I homeschool my kids, which gives me experience with little ones!
At the same time, I would like to invest and inspire others in the area of foreign languages. Lots of people say, "I've always wanted to learn language "X". It's on my bucket list." I want to help you do more than just check something off your bucket list. Learning a foreign language with the right motivation will make you more marketable, will open up new doors of communication, and pave the way to possibilities of travel abroad within countries whose people speak that language. And finally, as you progress in the language, a whole new culture's literature, movies, humor, recipes, etc... will be at your disposal to understand. Maybe I can be the one to help you get started!
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Undergraduate Degree: University of Oklahoma Norman Campus - Bachelors, Spanish Literature
Foreign languages, everything international, baking, sports, playing with my kids, dancing
What is your teaching philosophy?
Each person can learn. What is your motivation for learning? When you find that, it will be the driving force that helps you persevere and improve.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
We should introduce each other. What is your goal for this subject? How do you best learn? What do you most want to improve during these sessions?
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
The tutoring sessions are sometimes the "show-off" times. I'd start helping the learner to incorporate things one by one into their daily lives until it becomes a habit. Then, they will be learning independently and showing you what they learned for the next tutoring session.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
It's really
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
All concepts in a foreign language have a previous stepping block. We go back to the previous block that they already know and make the bridge to the new concept from there.
How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?
Listen to native speakers online who are just above their level. And practice!
What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?
We need to sit down and make daily goals and long-term goals. When the students see they are reaching them, they will be motivated to keep going.
How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?
Again, it's important to relate the relevancy of the subject. How will/could they use this in the future?
What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?
I may have them take a mini quiz or have them teach or summarize the material for me. Teaching someone else is one of the best ways to see if a person understands the material.
How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?
Ask -- What is your motivation for learning X subject?
How do you evaluate a student's needs?
Sometimes you can just ask them. Other times, maybe a small test can help. Also, as the tutoring session goes on, it is sometimes obvious.
How do you adapt your tutoring to the student's needs?
We figure out how the student best learns, whether it is visually, aurally, rote, by doing, etc.
What types of materials do you typically use during a tutoring session?
I use the Internet, books, newspapers, recordings, videos, etc. I like to be creative and resourceful.