Shahidah
Certified Tutor
Hey guys! My name is Shahidah and I look forward to teaching you Japanese.
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Undergraduate Degree: Western Carolina University - Bachelors, Japanese
Languages, sports, video games, music and dance
- SAT Subject Test in Japanese with Listening
What is your teaching philosophy?
I believe that there are no wrong or stupid questions, only questions that will never be answered. So don't be afraid to ask questions, because if you don't know then how will you learn?
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
I would first like to get to know my client a bit by asking a few basic questions, such as why they decided to learn Japanese. Then, I would get a general idea of where they are in the language if they have already had prior instruction. So basically, the first session would be just to see where they are and determine where it is they wish to go as far as learning.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
With language, if it is difficult to study and learn on your own, then the language itself will be difficult to learn. So, I would make sure during the session that I am not simply giving the answers, but making sure the client comes up with the answer themselves. I would also suggest some websites that I believe could be helpful.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
I think being all work and no play is boring. So, I would incorporate YouTube videos and games into the lesson. I feel doing things that are both fun and educational is the best way to keep interest and motivation high.
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
First I would try to identify where exactly it is that the confusion is coming from. Then, I would attempt to explain it in a different way. However, with language, the best way to get over confusion is to utilize repetition.
How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?
For Japanese, if a student is struggling, I believe the best way is to start from the end of the sentence. Also, simply picking out the words, translating them, and then plugging them back in is the first step.
What types of materials do you typically use during a tutoring session?
Typically, I would use the resources that I have on hand, such as helpful websites or articles. However, if possible, I would like to use a textbook.
What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?
The strategy I found that works best is to simply be patient and allow for the student to take their time, whether it be answering a question or trying to form a sentence in Japanese. Making sure that the student doesn't feel rushed and, when the task is completed, provide positive reinforcement.
How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?
As I said earlier, all work and no play can be tiring. So, I think adding games, or fun and interesting videos would help curb some of the complacency that may seep in.