Since the 1980s, I've discovered that tutoring gives me joy because it is personally satisfying to assist and work with students towards solving a problem. I have taught general subjects to kids from K-12. I remember the first time I tutored children when I was obtaining my first degree in the local university -- San Jose State University, BS degrees in Biology and Accounting -- that it was in the "Aha!" moments, when light bulbs turned on in their minds, when one can see in their eyes and mouth and in what one can hear from the their voices that is especially gratifying to an instructor -- that they GOT it!!! At this instance, both parties are encouraged and both triumph in their spirits!
I feel compassion towards students when they have a need because I can identify with them being a student in the past, and this motivates me to do my best to accomplish their objectives. I try to use their interests in life to get them excited about understanding concepts in subject matters in which they need help. Also, I endeavor to make learning fun by playing board games and doing a sport or physical activity to get ideas across. In my next tutoring opportunity, I would like to implement stories to help students learn. To summarize, I will use a variety of approaches and will say it in different ways to bring about understanding.
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