What is your teaching philosophy?

Each student has the right to learn in a comfortable, safe, and respectful environment, with any accommodation needed, to complement each learning style.

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

I would introduce myself and then let my students talk. I would like to hear about their academic goals, their troubling subjects, and how they feel their learning might be accommodated. Some, but limited, personal information would be nice, so that a more comfortable learning environment can be achieved. I would further delve into the subject matter, assessing prior knowledge and where the learning needs to begin.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

I would practice the gradual release of responsibility onto the student. I would help work examples at a slow pace. I would then have the student try on his or her own, helping correct mistakes. I would lastly recommend at least 7 practice problems independently, as statistics show that many learners require 7 repetitions to commit the knowledge to memory. All questions will be answered thoroughly afterward.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

学习的发生,必须connec材料ted to a student's prior knowledge. That reason is why some personal information would be great. I also tell stories that can relate to the subject matter. Additionally, technology is a great assist. Many fun games exist on many different websites to make learning more exciting.

If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?

Depending on the particular difficulty, I would first recommend organizational skills so that the student can refer to prior learning. I also have the philosophy of moving at a somewhat slower pace for confusing concepts. I believe that you can train your brain to do anything, it is just being creative enough to find a way. Manipulatives and other visual aids are great, but many times it depends on the individual students needs. Practice and asking questions seems to help solve many problems in school and in life.

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

I would recommend different colored pens/highlighters. Many students are statistically more likely to understand or recall information when paired with specific colors. I additionally have reading tips. Proper nouns and strong verbs should be noted, as well as key ideas that the student may predict. Having the student predict the outcome of the reading can make them better at comprehension. I also recommend Cornell notes or a similar system to document these thoughts during the reading.

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

I have found that making myself somewhat vulnerable makes the student feel as though I am more approachable. I also tell stories about myself, and may ask questions if I feel that the student is comfortable. When I know my students more on a personal level, it creates an atmosphere of trust, and therefore more engagement, in the learning environment.

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

I have noticed in the past that the more excited, energetic, and animated that I am, the more results I get from students. My overall demeanor has proven more effective than anything. Knowing my students is also a major factor; I can show them how the material relates in their everyday lives and future endeavors.

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

I need to have an informal assessment. I can check homework, ask questions, and make up problems "on the fly." I am also a fan of pre and post assessments so that I have statistical information to analyze the percentage of improvement.

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

I tell each and every student that they are capable of learning the material. It is only a matter of figuring out how to train your brain, with which I am there to help. Positive reinforcement for each correct answer is also a factor, as is redirecting incorrect ideas into correct ones.

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

For K-12 students, I would check for an Individualized Education Plan that the school has implemented. If we do not achieve success that way, then it is a continuous learning process. Each style of learning has a solution, so sometimes it may be trial and error.

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

Everything goes back to the student's learning style. For visual learners, I can have the student draw pictures relaying the concept. For tactile learners, I can always find a manipulative or create a lab or sorts. Auditory learners may even need to record my voice or listen to online videos. Endless possibilities exist, as each person is a different kind of learner.

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

I use of course pencil and paper. I like to incorporate different pen colors and different colors of paper as well. An iPad or computer is also a great resource, as I know many different websites, apps, and games. I will bring manipulatives and tangible objects depending on the lesson as well. Everything is dependent on the lesson, so there are many different types of materials that could prove useful.