Seeds Of Learning Tutoring Service - Natural Sciences, Math, And English
About
As a nature enthusiast and recent graduate in biology, I have a big passion for spreading the word about how amazing life can be! I specialize in botany and ecology, but I also enjoy teaching students about environmental science, physics, chemistry, mathematics, scientific and professional writing, and problem solving.
As both a student and teacher, I firmly believe that teaching should be about encouraging students to think critically rather than just spoon-feeding them information and forcing them to memorize boring facts. Yes, memorization can be an important part of understanding larger concepts, but students should be encouraged to get excited about learning and be able to learn and grow for themselves outside of the classroom.
Although I largely teach online, I also use an 'applied science' approach, using real-world examples and leading students through hands-on assignments to help them learn in a fun way.
I have years of experience as a tutor for kids 8 to 20 years old and have worked in educational summer camps and preschools in the past. I have a bachelor of arts in biology from the New College of Florida and have worked in a number of research positions at my school and with local organizations like Marie Selby Botanical Gardens.
I love getting to know kids and learning about their interests, and I love teaching kids how fun and interesting learning can be. Seeing students connect the dots, have realizations, feel proud of what they have accomplished, and become truly engaged with learning are just some of the rewarding benefits of being a teacher!
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Jennifer C.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
My methods can vary slightly depending on the student and where they're currently at, but my process generally goes as follows:
1) Have a conversation with the parent(s) (if the student is a minor) to get a good idea of topics or skills that they want their child to improve on, and what methods have and haven't worked in the past.
2) Have an introductory meeting with the student to ask about favorite learning styles, hobbies, areas of interest, and individual strengths and weaknesses. I can then tailor the curriculum specifically to your child based on this information.
3) Over the course of the next week, I develop a custom curriculum based on established learning standards (ex: from the FL Dept. of Education). This ensures that students are prepared for standardized exams and future schoolwork while also keeping things up-to-date and engaging.
4) I then create teaching modules, quizzes, and other assignments for the student, taking care to cater to their interests and favorite learning methods while also introducing new ones for them to explore.
5) Sessions will consist of short lectures that employ interactive presentations, short educational videos, and concept check quizzes. These lectures will then be followed by problem-solving sessions in which I guide students through key questions similar to the ones that I assign them for homework.
6) Students will also be assigned a fun creative project to give them a chance to show what they have learned in a way that they find exciting and engaging. After receiving feedback and help along the way, students will first present the project to me and then to their parents and/or other family members. This type of assignment can help teach students about cross-disciplinary applications (such as science communication, educational art, and community activism) while also getting them used to presenting to an audience. I prefer using this approach to having a big final exam (and instead having a few smaller ones throughout the learning period) unless the goal is to prepare for a certain standardized test.
7) Throughout this entire process, I like to take ongoing feedback from both the student and the parent(s) so that I can make sure that everyone is comfortable and that their needs are being met. If the student is a minor, parents are encouraged to have weekly or monthly meetings (whether over the phone or in a short written email) to talk about how their child is progressing, although this is not absolutely necessary.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
- Long-term tutoring experience (7+ years) for students ages 8 to 20
- Years of experience working with kids in educational summer programs and in community outreach projects
- Bachelor of the Arts in Biology, New College of FL
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I offer my services on a sliding scale to help make tutoring affordable for everyone. My standard rate is $35/hr, but if this isn't within your budget then I am more than willing to discuss rate reductions. I also offer deals for referrals as well as multiple students from the same household.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with students from a variety of cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds, ages 8-20. I have experience working with students with learning disabilities, including ADHD, anxiety, and dyslexia.