Welcome to Hilltop Tutoring.
We are a progressive small business that seeks to help every learner reach his or her full potential. Our expert tutors use a variety of proven skills and resources to help K-12 and university students gain knowledge, confidence and academic success. We offer effective and enjoyable tutoring with reasonable rates, multiple locations and flexible scheduling. Please explore our website or contact us for more information. Thank you!
Our Teaching Philosophy
Every learner is an individual.
Effective tutors are able to think like students, and they recognize that every student thinks differently. When the tutor understands and empathizes with the student's unique point of view, they can tailor their lessons to suit the student's skill levels, clearly identify barriers to learning, and choose the most effective means of overcoming those barriers. Learning style analyses, both formal and informal, are important aspects of our tutoring programs. We also recognize that the physical and emotional life of a student can have a profound effect on learning, and we can recommend a personal trainer, therapist or nutritional consultant upon the client's request.
Confidence is key to success.
The two phrases "I can" and "I can't" are both self-fulfilling. We encourage every student to believe in his or her potential for success, and to be patient and persistent in pursuing it. By affirming a student's ability to succeed as we help him or her develop knowledge and skill, we contribute to an upward spiral, where greater capability builds confidence and growing confidence unlocks more capability. Confident students are much less likely to let fear of failure keep them from doing the best work they can - which is often much better than they once believed it could be!
Children’s sessions should be fun.
Few things help learning more than curiosity and a positive attitude. We believe that all young learners have an innate desire to learn and grow, but many of them find themselves frustrated by negative experiences in the formal school system. We work to restore the love of learning by finding an appropriate balance between work and play, and by integrating the two with entertaining lessons and learning games. Our love of teaching helps create a warm and affirmative atmosphere. The absence of negativity from peers or teachers contributes to each student’s enjoyment of his or her sessions. This helps to create a happy, motivated student with a lifelong enthusiasm for learning.
Anyone can do math.
We all use logical thinking skills every day; success at math is just a matter of using them more formally. Many students are held back by issues of confidence and motivation, and they find surprising success when they learn that math is not only doable, but also enjoyable. Many more just need more time and attention than their busy school-teacher can give. For students who experience more persistent difficulties, we teach a variety of physical and mental exercises that help create neural connections in the left hemisphere of the brain, where logical thinking takes place. When combined with curriculum-based tutoring, this approach can create impressive results – for anyone.
Good tutors are both supportive and challenging.
Our students are consistently challenged to grow, as fast as they are able to; but they are also supported, praised and allowed to take the time to solidify their learning. By correctly assessing a student’s ability level, the tutor can set the optimal pace for lessons, and judge when the student is confident enough to take a chance on a larger leap of learning. In this environment the student feels supported, enough so to feel secure and gain confidence; but they are also challenged enough to grow quickly toward their potential. The results look great on their report cards!
Teachers are learners too.
Our tutors are committed to lifelong learning, and we are constantly expanding the range and depth of our teaching skills. Discovering the methods that work for one student will frequently give us insights that can be used while teaching another, and we actively seek out new studies and resources that can help us grow in our teaching careers. Being a tutor is also rewarding because it lets us engage with the experiences and perspectives of our students, and this expands our view of the subject matter as well as of life beyond it. We recognize that every student, no matter what difficulties they might face at school, is a unique and valuable person who deserves to reach their fullest potential. This is why we’re helping young minds climb.
©2008-9 Hilltop Tutoring.
"In the summer all the lights would shine
There'd be music playin', people laughin' all the time
Me and my sister, we'd hide out in the tall cornfields
Sit and listen to the mansion on the hill."
- Bruce Springsteen
|