About the Teacher
Hello NWCS students and families!
I am so excited to begin the 2020-2021 school year with you and your student! This is my second year teaching at NWCS, but I have been attending classes since elementary school. This organization offers so much to its students, and it is my hope that I can help you grow and learn! Outside of teaching, I am a senior at Newport High School and have prior experience participating in Bellevue School District's gifted program. In my free time, I like to play the cello, paint, and spend time with friends/family!
I am so excited to begin the 2020-2021 school year with you and your student! This is my second year teaching at NWCS, but I have been attending classes since elementary school. This organization offers so much to its students, and it is my hope that I can help you grow and learn! Outside of teaching, I am a senior at Newport High School and have prior experience participating in Bellevue School District's gifted program. In my free time, I like to play the cello, paint, and spend time with friends/family!
Teaching Philosophy
Throughout my teaching, I maintain several objectives in order to best serve the student:
1) Academic success
Ultimately, the main purpose of this class is to teach academic skills and content that will allow the student to succeed in school and standardized testing. Oftentimes, this is best measured through the use of quizzes/tests and a cumulative grade. However, from my own experiences, I have seen the mental strain and pressure this often puts on students (regardless of age). While grades/scores serve as an effective indicator of progress, the main objective of this course is still to continuously learn and improve. The goal should be to completely understand concepts rather than just performing well on tests.
2) Real world application
The content learned in this course should not only encourage the student's academic growth, but also provide useful skills in the real world. With this mindset, it is possible to gain a much more well rounded and valuable experience from the class. (EX: reading analog clocks)
3) Engaging experience
Similar to my previous point, I strive to make class activities as interesting as possible. Although this is an academic class, it should still be enjoyable and exciting! For example, incorporating games and riddles into different parts of the course when appropriate. This should also help to alleviate stress around grades and performance. I will also do my personal part to be engaged and invested while teaching.
4) Student need
As the course continues, it is inevitable that students will be in different places progress wise. If a student is having difficulty understanding concepts, I am more than happy to provide additional materials and assistance. On the other hand, I am also willing to cater to the needs of students who are ahead. Additionally, the course schedule may be adjusted in accordance with class progress.
5) Communication
I strongly believe that supportive parents play a crucial role in the academic success of students. As part of this, I will do my best to communicate course details to parents via email and website. Feel free to contact me with any concerns or questions as well!
Thank you!
Ms. Elaine Zhang
Throughout my teaching, I maintain several objectives in order to best serve the student:
1) Academic success
Ultimately, the main purpose of this class is to teach academic skills and content that will allow the student to succeed in school and standardized testing. Oftentimes, this is best measured through the use of quizzes/tests and a cumulative grade. However, from my own experiences, I have seen the mental strain and pressure this often puts on students (regardless of age). While grades/scores serve as an effective indicator of progress, the main objective of this course is still to continuously learn and improve. The goal should be to completely understand concepts rather than just performing well on tests.
2) Real world application
The content learned in this course should not only encourage the student's academic growth, but also provide useful skills in the real world. With this mindset, it is possible to gain a much more well rounded and valuable experience from the class. (EX: reading analog clocks)
3) Engaging experience
Similar to my previous point, I strive to make class activities as interesting as possible. Although this is an academic class, it should still be enjoyable and exciting! For example, incorporating games and riddles into different parts of the course when appropriate. This should also help to alleviate stress around grades and performance. I will also do my personal part to be engaged and invested while teaching.
4) Student need
As the course continues, it is inevitable that students will be in different places progress wise. If a student is having difficulty understanding concepts, I am more than happy to provide additional materials and assistance. On the other hand, I am also willing to cater to the needs of students who are ahead. Additionally, the course schedule may be adjusted in accordance with class progress.
5) Communication
I strongly believe that supportive parents play a crucial role in the academic success of students. As part of this, I will do my best to communicate course details to parents via email and website. Feel free to contact me with any concerns or questions as well!
Thank you!
Ms. Elaine Zhang