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Welcome to My Engaged Learning Experience Page!
Welcome to My Engaged Learning Experience Page!
For a quick overview of my work related to the Student Success Corps at Crispus Attucks High School, feel free to look at the google slides to the left. For a more indef view of my experience, scroll down!
"Understanding the unique needs and learning styles of each student became a priority."
Purpose
Purpose
I tutored at Crispus Attucks High School for both my fall semester in 2023 and my spring semester in 2024 with the IU Student Success Corps Tutoring and Mentoring program. At times, I taught via zoom or online programs, however, the vast majority of my work was done face-to-face with the students themselves. I tutor high school students in math related topics from Pre-Algebra to Calculus. I want to develop my teaching and understanding capabilities in a math related environment, and being able to do this while helping students understand math concepts serve perfectly in developing those skills. Alongside this, I also serve the purpose of mentoring these students for their possible career and post-high school visions, such as possibly enrolling in college and helping them understand what it's like to be in college.
Prior Experience
Because of the tutor/mentor position with IU Student Success Corps, I’ve been able to work with a multitude of high school students studying a vast array of subjects. Many of these subjects include the building blocks to major mathematical courses I took and plan to take in the future. Even when helping them with their homework or classwork, I often find myself tripping up a bit because I myself need a refresher in certain things, and it just seems to easy to me that I sometimes miss a step that they may not be able to see. Being able to recognize this and fix it has been a major asset in terms of my understanding of learning subjects foreign to me and teaching subjects already familiar to me, but may not be known to other people. Oftentimes in managerial positions or being just a seasoned worker you often have to help new hires get accustomed to the work environment they find themselves in, and I often think of myself like that when introducing students to mathematical concepts they've never seen before
Community Connections
When I’m teaching the students here at the high school, it’s interesting to see how they work through a problem. One time, when working through a problem with a student having difficulty relating the angles of two triangles, I asked them to work through it themselves first. They started how I would, but then continued in a method unique to them that I wouldn’t have thought of, but led to a correct answer. I learned from this that there’s multiple ways of possibly going about solving a problem, that are both equally correct and fine to implement. I will use this knowledge in the future when engaging with my peers who may not see a problem how I do, and will ask them for their perspective.
New Skills/Lessons
As we delved into the algebraic problems, I realized that traditional teaching methods were not resonating with some of the students. Instead of persisting with the same approach, I decided to change my strategy. I used real-world examples and analogies that connected the abstract concepts to her everyday experiences. This shift in approach helped the students visualize and grasp the abstract algebraic ideas more effectively. The key lesson from this experience was the importance of adaptability in teaching. Not all students learn the same way, and being able to modify my tutoring methods on the spot was crucial. Understanding the unique needs and learning styles of each student became a priority.
Impact
As a math tutor, my objective is more than just helping students get through their assignments – it's about making sure they actually get what's going on and feel comfortable with it. I try to keep things relaxing and make learning math less of a headache. I'm all about patience and tailoring my approach to each student, so they don't feel overwhelmed. I want them to feel confident and able to tackle math on their own eventually. We're not just doing assignments; we're building a solid understanding for future math involvement. I'm all ears for questions and want them to know it's ok to ask anything.
Career Connections
Being a math tutor for high school students provides a unique pathway to cultivating essential skills that translate into a career in electrical engineering. Beyond helping students complete mathematical challenges, the tutoring experience sharpens my ability to communicate complex concepts in a relatable way, fostering a solid understanding of foundational principles. This skill set becomes invaluable in the realm of electrical engineering, where effective communication of technical ideas is paramount.
Additionally, as a tutor, I cultivate problem-solving skills and encourage critical thinking—attributes vital in navigating complex topics. The transition from tutoring to electrical engineering is a natural evolution, as the hands-on experience of guiding students through mathematical problem-solving mirrors the practical approach required in engineering. Ultimately, my role as a math tutor not only aids students in their academic journeys but also serves as a stepping stone towards a fulfilling career in electrical engineering, where the ability to translate theoretical knowledge into real-world applications is paramount.
Artifact
This is a tool used by us to help students understand the material. It contains material useful to know as a quick at-hand resource for them working on homework or classwork to look at. Simply flip through the contents for anything that might be useful. It’s quick to use and easy to understand. It covers a wide range of topics so it’s great to use on students who aren’t quite caught up just yet. I've used it several times to great success with my students.
Summary
My experience as a high school math tutor has been both enriching and transformative. Guiding students through the complexities of mathematical concepts has not only strengthened my own understanding but has allowed me to witness the profound impact effective teaching can have on students' academic growth. The process of breaking down complex ideas into understandable bits has honed my communication skills, fostering a dynamic and engaging learning environment. Moreover, the experience has instilled in me a deep appreciation for the importance of patience, adaptability, and personalized instruction in fostering a positive learning atmosphere. As I reflect on this journey, my biggest takeaway is the realization that being a math tutor extends beyond the academic realm; it is about empowering and inspiring students to embrace challenges, fostering a lifelong love for learning.
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