Tutor Spotlight: Natalie Q.
Meet Natalie.
With over 10 years of experience as an educator, Natalie has an extensive background as an executive function and academic coach for high school and college students. She has also tutored writing at every level, from preschool to undergrad. She's gifted at meeting students where they’re at, supporting learning differences, and creating a caring learning experience.
What's one thing you love about tutoring?
I love working with students one-on-one and having a chance to really get to know them. I like learning how individual students think, learn, and see the world. In turn, this allows me to adapt my teaching to their learning needs and support them more effectively.
How do you keep students engaged During tutoring sessions?
I’ve found over the years that being observant and adaptable is needed to keep students engaged. If I notice the attention of a student drifting, I shift my teaching to re-engage and interest them. Often I will connect the content to the student’s life in some way or read out loud. If I notice their attention has been consistent, I take note of the teaching method and do it more in the future.
What's one study tip every student should know?
When taking notes, try to incorporate drawings. Research has shown that drawing simple illustrations of new content greatly improves retention and helps students process information more deeply. Don’t worry, drawing skills aren’t required! Just making the effort engages mental processing that translates new information into a picture and this really helps make information stick.
What was your favorite class in high school and why?
As a passionate book nerd, English was always my favorite class in high school. I fell in love with classic British literature early in life and I’ve continued to study it ever since
Can you share an example of a student you were proud of for reaching their goals?
A couple years ago, I worked with a high school senior who had learning differences and was struggling to pass her classes. After meeting with me twice a week and working hard, she got all A’s in her last semester and graduated high school! I’m so proud of her for achieving that big goal.
What do you admire about your students?
One of the things I admire most about my students is their willingness to admit when they don’t know something and ask for help. That takes vulnerability and courage. I respect that very much.
