Experience:
As an undergraduate student, I studied mathematics which is always an interesting subject to me and in which I always can do well. During my study, I found that the logics behind math and the diverse applications of math are very useful for my learning in other related subjects such as computer science, physics, and chemistry. I love learning, and even though my primary study is math only, I also studied many different subjects to broaden my view in the relationship among them and to learn the application of each.
After my undergraduate study, I continuously had chances to teach/tutor (including some personal tutoring to friends in college math). Not only did I find myself comfortable in teaching, but also teaching is a very rewarding experience to me. I can use what I learned to help others, and I often learn more as I teach.
Last summer I taught pre-algebra to middle school students, and this summer I taught general math to elementary school students. I like working with kids since they are energetic. Even though some of them don't like the subject, once they were given enough personal attention, assistance, and encouragement, they could improve. I also like working with parents to assist students' learning because parents' involvement often generate positive impact. And making classes more fun (usually involving games) can make the learning environment more attractive to the students.
Additionally, last year I tutored during the study of my master's degree in Statistics. I tutored mathematics to undergraduate disabled students. In contrast to classroom teaching, I can pay personal attention to students during tutoring. And because of the allowance of time, I can try different ways of explanation until students' problems are solved.
Teaching Style:
In general, for math I believe that teaching step by step in systematic way is helpful for students to grab the concepts. Then help students to relate the concepts is also important. And letting students understand the applications of the concepts and usefulness of the subject can inspire them to learn.
As a tutor, I believe being patient and flexible in teaching methods are essential. Students might not be able to understand certain concepts immediately, so as a tutor I have to be patient and give continuous encouragement. Also, I found that different students learn differently, so sometimes even for the same concept, I am flexible in different ways of explanation.
I am fine in working with students of different ages. I am an easy-going and at the same time a considerate person. For children, I like to make the learning process more fun to engage their interests but also am aware not to let them lose focus and respect on learning itself. For more mature students, I tend to make my explanations more straightforward and teach with a faster flow. Yet I like to make the learning environment comfortable to the students, so I usually take breaks every now and then and have relaxed talks with the students.
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