My Approach

I strive to increase each student’s knowledge and understanding, while having FUN!  Yes, learning can be fun.  I continually challenge students; scaffolding (see below*) them when necessary, and leading them toward independence.  I make it a priority to nurture self-esteem, and create a trusting and authentic relationship with each student, which is the key to helping an individual to reach his or her potential.  Honoring each student’s truth is imperative.

I recognize the importance of using a variety of tools to successfully support students in ways that suit diverse individual learning styles. I support Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligence, and incorporate multi-sensory teaching techniques when working with all students; whether they are typically developing, English language learners, gifted, “at-risk,” or have “special needs.”

I utilize the following skills and techniques (prior to, and throughout the formal learning process) to inform and maximize my teaching success.

Introduction

• Initiate open, honest, and respectful relationships with students.
• Engage students in informal conversation.
• Ask open ended questions.
• Actively listen.
• Proactively request clarification when necessary.

Assessment

• Observe and evaluate each students
  • communication skills (expressive and receptive)
  • knowledge
  • learning style (visual, auditory, kinesthetic, experiential, etc.)
  • personality
  • self-confidence
  • values
  • interests
  • self-esteem
  • energy level 
  • focus
• Discuss – classroom learning (current assignments and activities), and student self-perceived performance levels (strengths and challenges).
• Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) – evaluate (distracting and desirable) behavior, which serves as a form of communication.  Determine the context and function of each behavior.

Planning & Preparation

• Determine goals and several means to achieve them.
• Plan objectives, which will enhance learning in all domains (Communication, Cognitive, Social, Emotional, Fine/Gross Motor).
• Prepare engaging content; tailored to each student’s personal interests, and skill level.

Teaching

• Incorporate opportunities for active learning, and support guided discovery.
• Encourage curiosity and a love of learning.
• Respect and consider each student’s personality, interests, learning style, strengths, and challenges.
• Utilize multi-sensory techniques to reinforce concepts.  Learn more.
• Provide customized exercises, which challenge learners; and address lagging skills without intimidating or overwhelming them.
• Encourage students to ask questions, and provide feedback.

Adjusting – personalize, customize, and differentiate

• Respond moment to moment to each student’s learning process; adjusting lessons accordingly.
• Remain flexible, and welcoming unexpected teachable moments.
• Collaborate with teachers, service providers, administrators, and parents or caregivers.  Share knowledge and experience.

Extending Learning Beyond the Lesson

• Cultivate the courage to…take risks and make mistakes
• Emphasize the advantages of learning from failure.  
• Stimulate resilience and persistence; enabling students to pick themselves up, and try, try, again
• Extend learning beyond the initial intention, connecting concepts to one another, and augmenting critical thinking and problem solving skills.
• Support development of soft skills.
• Build self-esteem.
• Lead students toward independence. 

* Learn about Scaffolding and Differentiation
* Learn how The Zone of Proximal Development relates to Scaffolding

Any questions?…

Discover The Intentional Teacher’s

• Core Values & Beliefs
• Strengths
• Credentials

Contact The Intentional Tutor