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

A typical first session will include assessing the student's needs by asking for topic strengths and weaknesses, and then assessing the student's strategies and habits in relation to the material. Finally, I will assess how the student learns and what approach is best for the student.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

I can help a student become an independent learner through my teaching style. I believe in having students come to the answers and explanations they need through their own logical thinking and progression prompted by guiding questions I will ask. In this way, the student can begin to think critically and logically in order to answer their own questions.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

Becoming an unmotivated student happens to all of us at one point or another in our academic careers. I have found that relating material to everyday life that the student will experience and see on a daily basis will help increase interest level, and create some spark of motivation that could grow into a larger interest.

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

I would not give up on the skill or concept. Instead, I would revisit the basics and ensure that the student has a solid understanding of them. Additionally, I would revisit the subject later after the stress of not grasping a subject goes away.

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

I will periodically test a student with some questions to ensure the student fully understands the material. I would assess the student at the end of each topic to ensure that the student has mastered the content.

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

Positive reinforcement will encourage the student to become more confident with their subject knowledge.

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

I evaluate a student's needs by asking the student what he/she struggles with. Additionally, I would ask the student questions in topics they think they are strong in.

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

I am able to adjust my explanations and plan of attack to fit the student's need. If a student understands material through actually practicing rather than straight explanations, the session would be centered around answering questions and then explaining why or why not the student was successful. If the student responds better to a little direction first and then independent question practice afterwards, the session would be focused more on explaining concepts.

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

Typically, a textbook that the student uses, along with pencil and paper is sufficient. If the student requires additional visual aids, I will use my computer to bring up these aides in order to better assist the student.

What is your teaching philosophy?

My teaching philosophy is centered around facilitated discovery. I do not simply give out the answers, but instead I guide the student through questions so the student can logically come to the answers for their own questions.

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

Breaking down tough sections in a book into simpler sentences with easier to understand words.

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

The strategies that I have found to be most successful when I start to work with a student are to maintain a high level of enthusiasm and energy in order to motivate the student and get them to be excited about learning. Also, I have found that starting off by ensuring the fundamentals are well established allows for the student to grasp more difficult concepts easier and builds their self-confidence.

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

Constant encouragement that the student can and will excel in a subject can help a student get more excited and engaged. Also, getting excited when the student makes progress will also help the student get excited and want to continue learning and mastering material.