Tutor in Kew Gardens, NY 11415

I am currently tutoring high school students in the SAT math and verbal sections, and adults in computer skills and ESL at venues around Queens and Manhattan. I enjoy this work because each day brings new events and challenges. While meeting students of all ages and backgrounds, I work to increase both their knowlege of the subject and confidence in their abilities.

I approach both teaching and learning as solving a puzzle, along with the thrill that comes with finding a solution to a challenging math problem, computer enigma, or language barrier. When a student struggles with a difficult task, I think on my feet and come up with new approaches to the subject. For example: During an ESL session, students were reading a newspaper and came across some advanced vocabulary relating to the presidential inauguration. I wrote down each term and defined them in simple English, both in writing and orally. Another ESL approach involves visual learning- sketching pictures and showing photographs, maps, and charts to clarify complex subjects.

I use both visual and verbal approaches to instructing the SAT. The math section, in particular, involves abstract concepts that require visualiation. Geometry problems often require students to work with 3-dimensional shapes and complex polygons. I use a large drawing board and sketch the shape described in the problem, along with all given angles and dimensions. Students then write down the steps involved in the solution before performing the calculations, and I guide them through the steps if necessary. I work with a partner and we complement each other's skills in both major sections of the test.

I am currently attending workshops related to ESL tutoring and general teaching subjects at the Literacy Assistance Center in downtown Manhattan. I look forward to improving my skills and learning more about this fascinating career.