No concept is impossible to understand. There are as many ways to view an idea as there are people to view it. My job is to help find the angle where everything clicks.

My first goal is to get to know a student and see how s/he approaches different types of problems. Then we can identify problem areas and give context to future sessions by discussing new approaches to these areas.

I prioritize long-term skills over short-term fixes. In particular, I focus on developing strategies for solving new problems and cultivating a robust understanding of core principles.

It is always key to keep goals in mind, and demonstrate how individual tasks lead to those goals. If there is an aspect of the subject matter that is discouraging the student, I would also explore fresh ways of looking at the material that may be less frustrating or intimidating.

First it is important to pinpoint what aspect of the problem is giving the student trouble. Then I would help them develop a process for applying the skill or concept correctly. Then it just comes down to three words - practice, practice, practice!

The best indicator that a student has command of the material is when they can explain it in their own words. For subjects like math, I see how comfortably a student can switch from one type of problem to another.

As we work toward the student's goals, I take care to break the process down into smaller steps. Mastery is not a sudden change; it is a series of incremental advancements. I emphasize that each small success shows tangible progress toward the student's main goal.

我试着去了解一个学生尽快. How do they see the world? How do they currently understand the material? Where do they struggle, and where are they comfortable? A bit of empathy can go a long way, especially when approaching the material through the student's frame of reference. Knowing where a student's motivation comes from also helps me determine if a student requires firmer guidance or a little extra patience.

I teach that the trick to reading comprehension on standardized tests is to go in with a strategy and stay focused. It is very easy to get distracted or overwhelmed by unnecessary information. Read the questions first, narrow down your choices, and practice until you are comfortable and quick in a test situation.

For standardized testing, the most reliable strategy is to handle hard questions by ruling out the obviously wrong answers, making a reasonable guess, and coming back to the question later. For learning new material, the most helpful strategy is for a student to summarize the material in their own words.

If a student is not engaged with a subject, it may be refreshing to frame the material in a new light. Finding a novel analogy for the material or linking individual facts together as part of a cohesive "narrative" can make difficult material feel more accessible and even fun!

Mostly, it's about listening to the student - what they emphasize, and what they don't. Tutoring is about helping with subject matter, but it's also about helping students conquer their insecurities. If I am in contact with the student's parents, their insight is also very important to me.