What is your teaching philosophy?

I have always loved math, and I believe my students will gain confidence and find enjoyment with meeting the challenges of advancing their math skills.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

我可以帮助学生理解基本概念,providing worksheets so they can practice different levels of the tasks they need help with. I believe it is important to understand why different math formulas work, as much as possible, rather than just memorizing them.

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

I would find out what the student needs help with ahead of time and bring worksheets for an easier level for them to review. For example, if they were doing word problems with ratios, I would ask them to review simple equations with ratios first. Then we would go over their homework, or any problems they bring with them. If they are unable to do the problems, I would do a couple of problems with the student by going over the necessary steps with them. I would make sure they are able to do the rest of the homework by themselves, or spend the rest of the time reviewing easier levels until they understand the necessary concepts. I would also provide copies of tables or instructions related to what they are learning.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

I believe math is fun, and that the main reason that students do not like math is because they lack confidence to be able to solve math problems. I would hope students will be motivated by successfully meeting the challenges of doing more difficult math problems. I am also familiar with some of the history of mathematics and some of the concepts of how math applies to quantum physics that students may find interesting.

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

I believe it is very important to have a good understanding of basic concepts in math. Usually a picture or a graph can show how things are put together in a math problem. I would have the student draw the picture or a graph to make sure they understand. There is usually more than one way to look at a problem, so I would go over different ways to look at the problem.

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

Many students have trouble with word problems even though they understand all of the concepts involved. I think word problems are boring and that it is hard to remember the different facts that are given. If there is a formula involved such as in a work, rate or volume problem, it is good to have that written down and then to label the different parts of the formula from the word problem. After the unknown is identified, an equation can be constructed to solve the problem. It's important to make sure to understand exactly what the problem is asking you to solve before you finish the equation.

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

I think the most important part of tutoring math is to give the student the confidence they need to be able to solve problems on their own. I think my role is to help them identify their weaknesses and improve those skills. Often students who are struggling with math have forgotten how to do simpler tasks, such as arithmetic, the order of operations, functions, etc. Once the weaknesses have been identified, the students no longer feel like they are unable to do math.

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

I think students will be more engaged if they are able to successfully solve math problems on their own. It is helpful to have a tutor watch them find answers, because it is like having an audience to cheer for you when you are able to do something.

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

I would have students explain the steps they go through when they are working a problem. I would also review the concepts that are involved.

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

I think students become more confident after they have reviewed basic concepts and have an understanding of the formulas they use to solve problems.

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

I find out before the session what they need help with and go over problems they need to know how to solve. I have them explain the steps they go through to solve problems so that I can see what they are doing wrong. Sometimes they are able to do everything right, but they need to build confidence.

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

I ask them what they would like to work on before we start a session. I bring worksheets for them to work on the skills that they tell me they need help with. I always have plenty of worksheets so that if they are confident with the material we have covered, they can try some more advanced problems too if there is still time left.

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

I find out before the session what topics they would like to cover. I bring worksheets and relevant tables. I also use the internet to show them websites that are helpful. I always have a calculator, pens, paper, pencils and a ruler. Sometimes I use a dry erase board with markers.