Monique

I enjoy learning and am naturally curious about my surroundings, which is why I pursued an advanced degree in Chemistry. I earned a master's degree in materials chemistry from the University of Michigan and I tutor grades 1-College.

My tutoring style:

A tutor plays two roles: coach and cheerleader. As a coach, I observe and assess to identify any areas of disconnect my student may have with the material and then set an attainable goal. We work toward that goal together through assisted practice in which I provide constructive feedback until they are ready to do it on their own. Then, it’s game time: I have my students exercise those newly made connections by completing problems they can now work through themselves. I continue making the problems more challenging to strengthen their knowledge of the subject while simultaneously helping them build their confidence and cheering them on the entire time. As a tutor, I play the role of coach and cheerleader but my student is always the star player.

Success story:

I once had a student suffer from an illness that made it difficult for her to focus during class. Her grades dropped significantly and eventually her illness prevented her from attending school altogether. That is when we met and I essentially became her math teacher. At that point, as a tutor, I was used to being reactive and letting my students dictate what we were working on, but with her I had to be proactive. I made lesson plans, taught her new concepts and reviewed old ones daily.

Ray worked hard for several months and it totally paid off. She aced her second semester of geometry and I could not have been more proud of her. We still keep in touch. She is all grown up now, healthy and teaching students of her own.

Hobbies and interests:

I enjoy cooking and trying new food recipes, going on long walks and playing all sorts of games, although board games are my favorite. I also like watching stop motion movies while making new things with polymer clay when I am feeling creative.