What is your teaching philosophy?

A good foundation is built with understanding, confidence, critical thinking and persistence. With a good foundation you can surpass any text book and utilize what you've learned in practical circumstances that pertain to your everyday life.

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

I would get to know that student, in order to gauge the best way to communicate lessons to him or her, as well as to establish a comfortable learning environment. Then, I'd try to focus on the particular problem they’re having trouble with.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

By helping the student become a critical thinker; having that skill is essential in becoming an independent learner. It allows the student to adapt to changing variables and unforeseen obstacles on their own terms and in a way that feels the most comfortable and understandable to them.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

By keeping the goal/s in sight and positive reinforcement. it's easy to become discouraged when the task at hand seems as intimidating as climbing a mountain but I would remind the student to remain persistent and treat every problem or task, one step at a time.

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

I would be patient and try to adjust the way that I taught the subject in order to best ingrain the particular skill or concept. For instance, if they had a hobby they liked I would try to apply the concept within the context of their hobby.

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

I would break down the text into elements and go over each one in order before tackling the text as a whole.

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

Establishing a good relationship would be one of the most important things. If a student felt intimidated or under pressure it might hamper the learning process. Also, outlining a general guideline that emphasized tasks, benchmarks and goals would be good for organization purposes and giving a student a measure of progress.

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

Reminding them of their goals, encouraging them, and instilling them with a sense of confidence that they can achieve what they want to achieve with dedication.

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

A periodic review after every concept/ skill taught, then a brief assessment consisting of material covered in the session. Some of it would be repetition but the rest would be questions concerning the subject but presented in a new manner in order to encourage critical thinking.

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

The best way to build a student’s confidence is to be patient and not give them the answers immediately. Allow them to work out the problem and come to a solution themselves. If necessary, give small hints. When the student feels that they are capable they gain confidence.

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

By observing the student and actively listening to the student and those that are familiar with the student’s academic work.

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

By knowing the student that I'm teaching, personality-wise, I would be able to mold lessons in way that would best suit the student.

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

Any writing utensil and paper is essential for tutoring. Written work makes it much easier to scrutinize and to structure thoughts and ideas. The textbook pertaining to the subject is a great reference to use when available. It makes learning feel familiar when using a textbook a student uses often. A dry erase board and markers. Props for younger students.