English Tutoring With Merilla

I always start each session by asking for a specific problem, question, topic, or idea the student has. I like to start with confirming basic understanding of concepts, asking questions, and providing examples. Often, if a student is provided with a simpler example of their question, they are able to solve this and apply it to their more complicated question. I realize all students learn differently, so over the first session, I will pinpoint and ask how best to teach concepts to the student.

I have worked as a part-time English Literature, Essay Writing, ESL, Elementary Science (grades 4-8), and SAT/ACT Prep tutor for Tutor.com for close to a year now. I have maintained a 4.8/5 star rating from all my students, and often work with the same students on a weekly basis. My multidisciplinary college degree (Biopsychology and Classics) makes me a flexible tutor with many methods of teaching.

My standard pricing is $30 for a half hour session, and $50 for an hour session. I am happy to get essays or problems in advance to have a chance to look at them before the session as well, to ensure we have time to look over the problem or essay in its entirety. An additional $10 per session will be applied if materials are sent in advance of the session.

I've always loved helping out others in classes, but started formally tutoring last year when I was given the opportunity to do so through Tutor.com.

I have worked with students ranging in age from 8 to 50, primarily having experience with high school and college-aged students. These students have ranged from ESL students wanting to go over basic grammar rules to native English-speaking college students who want advice on the structure, voice tone, and inclusion of rhetorical devices in their essays.

I have a very simple memory I'm fond of. I was on a run the other day on a path that follows the ocean coast. I love the smell of the ocean, and the run was a bit after sunset, so it was still cool and the path wasn't at all crowded. I listened to upbeat music that motivated me to be productive that day, and I was in a moment all by myself. When I'm feeling unproductive or down on myself lately, I remember that simple moment.

My best advice would be to set up a shorter first session to make sure my teaching style works well with you! Not every tutor and student match up will work well together, for whatever reason, so make sure you feel as though you are making progress in your first session. Try to stick with the same tutor, too! Then they can see your progress even if you can't in the moment. 

Students should try their best to be aware of their problem areas, or weaknesses. The more specific a question a student has, the easier it is for a tutor to help them. If a student can come to a session with problems they've picked out, that builds a foundation for a much more helpful session than just telling a tutor they struggle with grammar.