Jessica
Certified Tutor
The exchange of information and education is a passion for me! Creating a comfortable and fun atmosphere will allow learning to be enjoyable and memorable for all parties involved!
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Undergraduate Degree: University of Colorado Denver - Bachelors, International Relations
Research, reading, oil painting, and spending time with family
- ACCUPLACER ESL
- ACCUPLACER ESL - Listening
- ACCUPLACER ESL - Reading Skills
- ACCUPLACER ESL - Sentence Meaning
- ACT English
- ACT Reading
- ACT Science
- ACT Writing
- Adult ESL/ELL
- American Literature
- Anatomy & Physiology
- Ancient and Medieval Heritage
- AP Studio Art: Drawing
- Art
- Art History
- Astronomy
- BASIC
- Basic Computer Literacy
- Biology
- British Literature
- Business
- Business Ethics
- Business Writing
- Cell Biology
- Classics
- CLEP Prep
- CLEP American Government
- CLEP American Literature
- CLEP Analyzing and Interpreting Literature
- CLEP Biology
- CLEP College Composition
- CLEP English Literature
- CLEP History of the United States II: 1865 to the Present
- CLEP Human Growth and Development
- CLEP Humanities
- CLEP Introduction to Educational Psychology
- CLEP Introductory Psychology
- CLEP Introductory Sociology
- CLEP Social Sciences and History
- CLEP Western Civilization I: Ancient Near East to 1648
- CLEP Western Civilization II: 1648 to the Present
- College Application Essays
- College Biology
- College Business
- College English
- College Essays
- College Geography
- College Level American History
- College Level American Literature
- College Political Science
- College World History
- Comparative Literature
- COMPASS Reading
- Creative Writing
- Drawing
- Elementary School
- Elementary School Math
- Elementary School Reading
- Elementary School Science
- Elementary School Writing
- English
- English Grammar and Syntax
- ESL/ELL
- Essay Editing
- Ethics
- Expository Writing
- GED Prep
- GED Math
- GED Reasoning Through Language Arts
- GED Science
- GED Social Studies
- Geography
- Geometry
- Government
- Graduate Test Prep
- High School Biology
- High School Business
- High School Level American History
- High School Level American Literature
- High School Political Science
- History
- Homework Support
- Languages
- Law
- Linguistics
- Math
- Middle School
- Middle School Reading
- Middle School Reading Comprehension
- Middle School Science
- Middle School Writing
- Nutrition
- Other
- Painting
- PC Basic Computer Skills
- PCAT Writing
- Philosophical Ethics
- Philosophy
- Plant Biology
- Poetry
- Political Science
- MCAT Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior
- Public Speaking
- Reading
- SAT Subject Test in World History
- SAT Subject Tests Prep
- SAT Writing and Language
- Science
- Social Sciences
- Social Studies
- Sociology
- Study Skills
- Study Skills and Organization
- Summer
- Technical Writing
- Technology and Coding
- Test Prep
- TOEFL Prep
- World Civilization
- World Literature
- World Religions
- Writing
What is your teaching philosophy?
Keep it entertaining! I love using innovative and contemplative approaches to teaching; learning should be permanent and fun!
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
Breaking the ice and laughing is always a good idea for a first lesson! Introductions and getting to know someone is exciting, and I would have a few questions, as well as have information about myself to share with the student before jumping right into the task at hand. Certainly, we will get to know each other more as time went on, but fun first impressions are great!
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
I will encourage and boost the student's confidence by utilizing the time we have together to the fullest. They will see their achievements and success, which will ultimately encourage the student to continue growing individually. They will feel ready and strong to take on a new task.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
Discover creative ways to learn a subject! I love exploring non-traditional methods of teaching. I also like addressing multiple intelligences. If a student is not motivated or focused, the method may be the reason. For example, conducting a hands-on activity or going for a stroll, to get the body and mind fully in motion while discussing new information, may be needed.
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
If a student was having a difficult time, we certainly wouldn't give up. Patience is key. I would encourage the student and keep him or her from becoming disappointed and full of self-doubt. I would like to extend this concept for the entire realm of learning: I am a professional oil painter, and I feel dissatisfied at times while I'm painting. I have found that walking away and completely wiping it from my mind, then coming back to it, allows me to have a fresh, new perspective. This allows me to focus and get back on track. Perhaps the student and I need a little time away from the difficult task at hand and come back ready to take it on and conquer it! Another idea is to change the approach. One may not understand, not because of the concept itself, but how it was introduced.
How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?
I would first identify what type of reading comprehension mistake the student is making to then be able to address the issue. For example, if a student is overlooking vital details, I would bring his or her attention to specifics in the passage and blocking out other sentences. If the student doesn't get the word choice or order, paraphrasing exercises will help. Vocabulary building exercises may also be needed. Perhaps the student is just simply worn. If this were the case, I would do several eye and breathing exercises with the student to get him or her alert and ready for the next reading task. (One beneficial exercise for strenuous reading is to close your eyes, relax all face muscles and sit up straight with a proper flow of breath. Cup the palms of your hands over your eyes to allow a slight pressure and total darkness. Roll eyes in several directions then back to a centered relaxing state, all while taking deep, proper breaths.) However, with reading comprehension, repetitive practice and paying attention to detail is needed. I will give my student the proper tools needed to comprehend a passage and through time and practice, he or she will be able to see their own improvement and success!
How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?
I would give compliments when earned and always encourage a student. I would not mislead students but help them realize their own potential. I would use a log or a system that would allow the student to visually see their achievements and success. Many individuals hesitate or do not continue growing out of fear of failure or rejection. I will help the student realize that no one is perfect, we all stumble and fall, and there is no reason to be afraid. You can't lose anything from trying.
How do you evaluate a student's needs?
I feel being observant is key in evaluating a student's needs. Oftentimes, wants and needs are not spoken out loud. As a proficient teacher, it is my duty to be aware of what my student needs. I will ask my student questions to make sure they are satisfied, and I am certainly open to any suggestions that may help the learning needs and style of the student. If I feel the atmosphere is comfortable and productive, we can proceed with the tasks at hand. However, I am patient to spend extra time and practice on specific areas if needed. I also feel it is important to periodically review past completed tasks to make sure they were permanently and successfully acquired.