Portia
Certified Tutor
I love teaching math to a diverse population of students. I have 13 years of both online an in class instruction. I have taught students of all levels of academic and socioeconomic backgrounds from grades 7-11.
I also enjoy volunteering at my church, singing on the choir and working with children in the performing arts. My hobbies include researching, healthy eating habits and jogging.
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Undergraduate Degree: Oral Roberts University - Bachelor of Science, Mathematics
Graduate Degree: City College of NY - Master of Arts, Mathematics Education
Singing, Jogging
- 10th Grade Math
- ACCUPLACER Arithmetic
- Algebra
- Algebra 2
- Algebra 3/4
- Math
- Middle School Math
- Pre-Algebra
- Test Prep
- Trigonometry
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
I like to find out a little about the student, their likes/dislikes and how they feel about math in general.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
I try to give them the opportunity to solve simple problems first, while encouraging them to take risks.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
I believe that when students see growth and progress they are more apt to continue to put more effort into their education.
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
Back up and start again.
How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?
Give them time to re-read and verbalize what they get from the text.
What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?
Encouragement and starting with simpler problems.
How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?
I try to connect it with something they are already interested in, if possible.
What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?
Quick Checks/Exit Tickets.
How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?
Scaffolding questions so that a student sees progress as they get to more difficult questions.
How do you evaluate a student's needs?
Watch what they do and correct common errors.
How do you adapt your tutoring to the student's needs?
Adapt sessions as we uncover common errors or misunderstandings.
What types of materials do you typically use during a tutoring session?
Calculators, textbooks, whiteboard, pen and paper.
What is your teaching philosophy?
I like to find out a little about the student, their likes/dislikes and how they feel about math in general.