Methodology
Test-Specific Methodology
Every test I teach poses unique challenges to students and calls for its own methodology. For more information on how I will prepare you for your test (and what the advantages of my approach happen to be), click on the appropriate button.
General Teaching Methodology
For every test I teach, certain basic principles always guide the approach. The 3 bedrock principles of my teaching methodology are as follows: Logic, Targeted Review, and Deliberate Practice.
Logic
Every standardized test I teach has sections that are either strategy-based or content-based. Strategy-based sections are sections such as Reading Comprehension or Essay Writing, which do not require knowledge of specific subject matter but rather the application of key skills and techniques. Content-based sections require reviewing knowledge - and in many cases, learning new knowledge - pertaining to subjects such as Mathematics or Grammar.
For the Strategy-based sections of your test, my methodology is to first teach you simple, highly-intuitive strategies to help you efficiently navigate the sections and successfully tackle the various questions therein. These strategies help you understand the “logic” required of you by the test, and will automatically encompass solutions to time management and knowing how to approach everything one might see.
Targeted Review
Using an actual SAT, ACT, or GRE (or specific sections thereof), you and I will put together a personalized list of gaps in your knowledge and skills.
We will then cover any and all concepts you need to fill those gaps. Most importantly, you will receive my proprietary cue-based instructions that will help you remember when and how to apply your knowledge. Think of these instructions as quick commands taking the form “If you see X, do Y”.
Following each lesson, you will apply what you learn on customized homework assignments consisting of both (a) targeted drills to reinforce what you learn as well as to develop speed and fluency and (b) mixed practice to help you retain older teachings alongside new ones.
Deliberate Practice
The final stage of a tutoring program will see you taking full-length practice tests every week and reviewing them with me in our sessions. This is the stage in which you will practice applying everything you’ve learned under actual exam conditions, receiving constant feedback to hone your performance. You will be developing speed and stamina during this phase, building your overall confidence, and learning (from me) how to manage time and energy efficiently. In between practice tests and review sessions, you will also have a weekly regimen of homework to help retain everything you’ve learned and sharpen areas that could still use some work. This stage will lead you straight into the week of your exam date to help you finish strong. You and I will constantly assess where you stand in terms of readiness and decide when and whether to schedule (and sometimes reschedule) your test date to ensure that you are at your most prepared on this crucial day!