Laura Henckes

Columbia University in the City of New York

Less than 1 year

My teaching philosophy is rooted in active learning and gamification: I believe knowledge is best absorbed through pedagogical, problem-solving interactive games (such as role-playing exercises, quizzes, concept maps, and flashcards). At the same time, such an approach allows for the incorporation of other teaching methodologies, such as the teach-back method. Ultimately, long-lasting, meaningful knowledge absorption occurs when tutors are able to assess hidden knowledge gaps and address them using interactive, approachable exercises.

Laura is a Columbia-trained political science specialist with a year of experience teaching college students and 3 months' experience working with middle and high school students.

Back when I was a teaching assistant in political science, I worked with a college student who had seemingly no issues – she participated in class, was highly organized, and approached the course topic with confidence. Come time for her first essay submission, she earned a C – her paper was descriptive rather than analytical, ridden with grammatical and rhetorical mistakes, and lacked original ideas. Together, we worked to improve her knowledge of the subject by modifying the way she absorbed knowledge: I created interactive role-playing games during which she was able to actively apply her learning to concrete situations. We also worked on creating multiple essay drafts where I could review her orthograph and grammar and suggest any necessary changes. Lastly, I provided her with takeaway resources she could use on her own time. Her second paper earned her a B – while her writing had drastically improved, it still lacked analytical depth. We continued working together, whereby I accompanied active learning games with a socratic approach, encouraging my student to develop her own ideas into thoughtful arguments she could use in her next essay. By the end of the semester, her last paper earned an A-.

Lincoln Square, Upper West Side, Upper West Side (north)

Writing & Composition, World Languages, Test Preparation

AP French Program, AP Government Program

Standard

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday - Flexible - any time

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