Why Tutoring?
Tutoring at Active Learning is much more than homework help. It's an opportunity to learn how to learn. At Active Learning, students may focus on subject areas and learning skills beyond classroom structures and educational curricula. The student may choose skills that have particular relevance to his or her life, learning level, personal needs, or career. Since Active Learning is smaller than most commercial tutoring services, we provide highly personalized, flexible service.
At the heart of the Active Learning program is the development of self-esteem, concentration, and pride. Although these may not be "teachable skills" in the same way as spelling or grammar, they are the result of successful outcomes possible in individual learning sessions designed to maximize motivation and minimize frustration.
Individual lessons, typically an hour a week, are held in quiet, attractive surroundings that minimize distraction. All children, but especially those with ADD or ADHD, are able to focus and remember better when they are interested but not overstimulated.
Sylvia Keepers’ educational approach blends traditional and innovative techniques and draws on a wide range of resources. High school and college students agree that this approach is both exciting and rewarding and that instruction is geared to true mastery of a subject. Younger students just say, "It's fun."
Subjects, skills, and courses
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Reading phonics, comprehension, retention, reading speed; school subjects that require reading such as literature, history, and biology
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Writing spelling, penmanship, grammar, composition, report-writing, creative writing
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Study skills listening, note-taking, outlining, test-taking, memorization, time management, self-motivation
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College preparatory PSAT, ACT, and SAT preparation
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Career development skills reading, writing, and organization to meet career goals
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How to tutor the art and business of tutoring reading, writing, and study skills; opportunities include individual coaching and a master class
Our students
The capacity of expert tutoring successfully to address different challenges, abilities, and needs is demonstrated by our varied clientele, which includes:
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Students with learning disabilities, ADHD, ADD, dyslexia, and motivational problems
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Gifted underachievers
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Students seeking enrichment
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Homeschoolers
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Adults
How Tutoring Helps
In the one-on-one tutoring environment, students:
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learn how they learn best
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go beyond completing their work: they understand it
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feel more comfortable asking questions
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develop the ability to become self-directed learners
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form positive habits that extend beyond tutoring sessions
For the learner
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Individual instruction creates a favorable atmosphere for learning. It improves motivation and decreases frustration.
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While reading is learned primarily in the classroom, many students need extra time and help to be successful. Research shows that tutoring is a great way to support learning outside of school.
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Individual tutoring sessions provide more time on task, increased opportunities to read, and immediate feedback.
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Tutoring allows for individual monitoring of progress to ensure that learning is taking place. This includes positive and corrective feedback to help the learner stay on track and not repeat errors.
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Tutoring enhances interpersonal skills as a bond is established with the tutor
For parents
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Parents receive complete and understandable reports on their child's progress.
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Parents find out how to help their child at home—or when not to!
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As an impartial third party, the tutor can help defuse difficult homework situations.
Let an Active Learning Tutor
Help Your Child
Sylvia Keepers has been a private tutor for over thirty years in the subjects of reading, writing and study skills. She is the director of Active Learning Tutoring Services, does the initial interview and placement of all new students, and is available for student instruction. Sylvia's fee is $50 an hour.
Tutors who have trained with Sylvia are available as Active Learning instructors. Please call to discuss your own or your child's needs.