Biology Help Now
About
I am in an accelerated graduate program to become a secondary science teacher. My unique combination of experiences in math, science, and music have prepared me to think differently about approaching problems and understanding concepts. I have been a teaching assistant, informal tutor, formal tutor, and student teacher. I graduated magna cum laude from High Point University in May 2020 with a BS in Organismal Biology and a minor in Vocal Performance. I spent a semester at Appalachian State University online as a biology graduate student, learning biogeography and biostatistics; and simultaneously discovered my enthusiasm and passion for teaching. Below on my LinkedIn, you will find more details of my education, experience, and projects I have participated in. Let me help you further your understanding!
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaela-connors-b1931812b/
What I enjoy the most about teaching is seeing students get excited about whichever subject they are studying. Personally, I love sharing my enthusiasm for biology and even more specifically, plant biology and genetics. When I see students grasp a concept and get excited over it, that is when I feel most fulfilled. Teaching allows me to help others to learn and fulfill their desire to satisfy their natural curiosity.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
When working with a new student, I take the time to introduce myself and let them introduces themselves and get comfortable. Establishing a rapport and trust between myself and the student is key in focused work. After a level of comfort has been established, I like to focus on the key issues and concepts at hand and come up with an organized approach on how to tackle them. This includes asking the student how they best learn and what has not worked in the past for their understanding. After this step has been completed or there is an initial framework in place, we get to work on the actual material. The ways in which we work through the material will vary based upon the needs of the students. My learning space will always consist of respect, patience, kindness, and no judgment.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
During the Fall 2020 semester, I worked as a Teaching Assistant for General Biology Lab and worked with 40+ students, guiding them through biological concepts and activities. My previous and current education can be reviewed in my LinkedIn profile.
Comments from my students from Fall 2020:
"Super kind, great at answering questions, gave constructive feedback on assignments, and was a really pleasant teacher to have."
"She was very helpful and really cared about teaching us the material. She was always available and held accountability hours where we could just come sit and get work done."
"She was very responsive to questions and always the time to explain things to us if we didn't understand."
"She was enthusiastic and a quick grader."
"Michaela was extremely helpful in-class and outside of class. Anytime I had a question I felt comfortable reaching out and usually had a response within the hour."
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked tutoring my classmates in my undergraduate degree, that being 19-21 year olds. I taught mostly college freshmen during fall 2020 and most recently I have worked individually with a 5-year-old. Each age group requires different communication skills and conveyance of the material.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
I would make sure you as the student feel comfortable in a one-on-one and try to choose a teacher with whom you will feel most comfortable. Make sure you are specific about the type of help you need so you can find the best instructor that can help.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Students should think about the following before reaching out:
"Is the answer to this question in or on any of the materials provided?"
"Do I have a specific enough question that the teacher will be able to answer effectively?"
"Am I addressing this issue and my teacher with the required respect?"