Alex
Certified Tutor
After graduating in 2007, I worked in plant biology research for 8 years. This time included working in both educational and industrial settings. As a graduate student at Washington State University, I studied cell and molecular biology and taught biology lab courses. Here, I learned that my true interest was teaching and that I enjoy helping people appreciate and understand science, which can be intimidating and confusing. I am willing to work with students to find an effective AND fun learning strategy to ensure that studying is not simply a chore, but something that is engaging and interesting.
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Undergraduate Degree: University of Portland - Bachelors, Biology, General
Rock climbing, music, cooking, home renovation/construction science, gardening, science fiction, art
- Biology
- College Biology
- Graduate Test Prep
- GRE
- GRE Quantitative
- GRE Verbal
- High School Biology
- Microbiology
- Plant Biology
- Quantitative Reasoning
- Science
What is your teaching philosophy?
The most important thing a student can do is participate. Even when a subject seems irrelevant or difficult, it is up to the teacher to make it relevant and approachable.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
I ask what the student's least and most favorite academic subjects are. I will also ask about preferred methods of learning and studying and create a tutoring schedule and plan based on the answers.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
After working with students, I typically ask them to teach me what we have just covered. I also have them lead a review of the material during our next meeting. Approaching a subject as a teacher requires a very personal perspective and understanding.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
I am willing to take "microbreaks" to avoid overwhelming students. I also try to bring even the most unfamiliar concepts close to a student's everyday life. Even if a subject seems irrelevant to a student's interest, there is overlap that will surprise and entertain during the learning process.