Experience Summary
My undergraduate major in political science combined with a year abroad in France has instilled in me a life long interest in learning and teaching languages and history. I began by teaching English as a Second Language (ESOL) and mastered the art of teaching grammar and pronunciation using the communicative approach. Ever since, I have preferred the intense interactive approach made possible by small groups and one-on-one tutoring. After completing a master's degree in International Policy Studies I was able to combine my ESL teaching with a variety of other content-area subjects. While working at Schiller I taught several college level courses in International Relations as well as high school courses in Spanish, French, US History and World History. While at Schiller, I also tutored students in English and prepared then for the GRE, SAT and/or TOEFL.
Teaching Style
Because tutoring places the individual student at center stage I want to provide the student with learning opportunities they would not normally have in a classroom environment. I do this in several ways. First, I emphasize a three-step framework for learning which includes preliminary activities (warm-up, previewing knowledge), internalization (selecting and personalizing input) and reviewing (self-test, performance activities). Second, I work with the student to develop a basket of hands-on techniques and strategies that relate to each phase. I want students to understand what works for them and learn to make or find the support they need. Finally, I work with the student to develop and expand their own plan of attack for various learning tasks. I want them to walk away with the confidence to tackle new material and difficult assignments.