What is your teaching philosophy?

Ask questions. Relax. Simplify.

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

Get to know your learning style.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

I can show them the tools to use to simplify learning anything.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

I would encourage them and give them small pieces of information that build to a big picture.

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

I would be patient and understanding. I would encourage them to relax and proceed with confidence.

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

I move at their speed, encouraging a steady, slow pace until they gain confidence.

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

Connecting as teammates. Starting slowly. Building on simple principles.

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

I would ask about their value system and find a way to connect their own values to the mastery of the material.

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

I would ask questions. I would try practice testing. I would ask them to tell me what they've learned.

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

I remind them that they are in control and that their brain can do this!

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

I ask questions and listen while the student answers. I watch them work and identify ways their performance can improve, as well as ways they're already doing things right!

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

I listen to their questions, observe their success and their struggles, and see things from their perspective.

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

Reference materials like books or the Internet, calculators, rulers, etc.