What is your teaching philosophy?

I believe all children, and adults, can learn. Everyone learns in their own style and at their own pace. As a teacher, it is my responsibility to find what the best method to help someone learn is. I have always tried to connect classroom concepts to "real world" experiences for my students.

What might you do in a typical first session with a student?

I think it's important that the student and I get to know each other. I would like to know what the student feels they do well at in school and what areas they may find difficult. I would then ask the students why they find a particular subject or concept challenging. It would also be important to discover how the student learns best…through listening, hands-on, demonstration, etc., and tap into that ability.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

By providing them with strategies that make them confident in their skills. Whether it is test taking, reading for meaning or mastering math concepts, any student can learn a variety of strategies that help them become more independent and self-assured.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

我将make sure the student is always aware of the progress they have made during our time together. We would set goals to be met and, once those goals are met, set new ones for further learning and growth.

如果一个学生学习技能或公司有困难ncept, what would you do?

Ask them what makes this concept difficult for them. Observe what they are doing when they tackle a task/assignment. Look over their work to see areas of difficulty for them. When I put that all together, I will be on the road to helping them succeed.

How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?

By breaking down the text into smaller, more manageable passages; helping them learn new vocabulary within the story; asking them the more in-depth questions about the passage; providing them with strategies on how to read for meaning and what to do when a passage becomes difficult.

What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?

To listen to the student; ask them questions which will help me get to know them better both academically and personally. To find out what their strengths are as well as what is challenging them at this time.

How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?

To find fresh new ways of presenting the material; to show the student how this concept connects to the "real world;" to tap into their prior knowledge and interests of the subject matter.

What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?

Ask questions and listen for the student's response. Have the student tell, in their own words, what they have learned. Provide some type of assessment (written, verbal or hands-on).

How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?

By demonstrating to the student what they have already mastered within that subject and how they can use that mastery to move on to more challenging concepts.

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

By asking them what areas are of concern to them in class; by speaking with their parent(s); communicating with the classroom teacher, if possible; by my own observation; reviewing their current school work/assignments; by conducting my own evaluation (written, verbal, etc.).

How do you adapt your tutoring to the student's needs?

I am comfortable teaching children through a variety of methods: verbal, written, hands-on. I will tap into whatever works best for each individual child.

What types of materials do you typically use during a tutoring session?

Having 20+ years’ experience in education, I have a wealth of material in all subject areas, suitable for many age and ability levels. I also have access to a large number of online resources for teachers.