Ron
Certified Tutor
I received my Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and a Master of Arts Degree
in Educational Psychology from Northern Arizona University. For the previous six years,
I have enjoyed teaching Introduction to Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Human Sexuality,
and Sociology at the college level. I have also been fortunate to work as a college counselor, an elementary school counselor, and spent a few years working in Mental Health and with the developmentally disabled. My primary focus is Psychology; I love to study it, teach it, and follow new developments in research. My professional experience in the field has also helped me to create
and deliver to my students a unique understanding of psychological and sociological concepts.
As a psychology teacher, I like to help students experience the satisfaction of learning these concepts in a manner that is interesting to them and I encourage students to discover their own specific interests and academic potential.
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Undergraduate Degree: Northern Arizona University - Bachelor in Arts, Sociology
Graduate Degree: Northern Arizona University - Master of Arts, Educational Psychology
Music, guitar, drums, football, the ocean.
- Human Development
- Psychology
- Social Sciences
- Sociology
What is your teaching philosophy?
As a teacher, I use a common sense and a direct, caring approach. I work patiently, teaching with enthusiasm, dedication, and a sincere desire for students to learn and discover. Students working with me are given clear and concise direction and are fully aware of what is expected of them in regards to their studies and achievement. Teaching in the K-12 classroom as well as college classrooms has shown me that study skills, note-taking, and attention to detail are important factors to a student's academic success. I believe that improving the student's level of proficiency in each during the tutoring process is also beneficial to student success. I love to encourage and motivate students to perform at a level that meets or exceeds their own expectations.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
Introductions, and then a review of the students' academic history, strengths and challenges. Discuss students' needs and goals. Discuss and create a plan for our sessions.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
I would begin by understanding the student's learning style. Then I create lessons designed to combine the student's study techniques with new strategies for content mastery.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
It would be helpful
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
I would attempt to determine how internally motivated the student is, and combine that with the proper amount of extrinsic motivation. I am a very patient individual, and believe in positive reinforcement and encouragement as a means of motivation.
How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?
When a student struggles with comprehension, it is very important that I work closely with the student to understand their present abilities, and the specific challenges to be addressed.
What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?
Students, in my experience, respond to a genuine and encouraging instructor, willing to take the time necessary to master the material at hand.
How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?
I try to find a connection to a part of their own life or life experience.
What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?
I am very fond of study guides and chapter reviews as a means of learning new material. I offer lectures, texts, videos, professional journals, PowerPoints, and any other means to deliver the material in a manner that connects to the student.
How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?
A student's confidence grows as the material is better understood. I work on developing that understanding.
How do you evaluate a student's needs?
After working with a student for a short time, I will address and evaluate their needs by having studied their outcomes thus far on assigned work and assessments. I also give pre-tests and post-tests, which help inform both the student and instructor (tutor) as to one's academic needs.
How do you adapt your tutoring to the student's needs?
I am here to help the student achieve academically. I learn the student's academic style and strengths, and listen to the student as they describe their academic experience.
What types of materials do you typically use during a tutoring session?
During the session, I use the textbooks necessary, other relevant books, informative videos, professional journals, and current media. I also include practice quizzes, discussion, and challenging-yet-enjoyable activities and exercises designed to create a connection between the student and the material being studied.