What is your teaching philosophy?

I aim to help students by ensuring that they understand fundamental concepts by first explaining, then practicing, and finally discussing mistakes.

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

I prefer to let the student ask questions during the first session to see what the student is comfortable with. If the student does not feel comfortable with that approach, I will explain difficult concepts, go over practice problems, and help the student build the skills necessary to answer more difficult problems.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

I hope to make a student independent by teaching them the importance of practice and understand the fundamental concepts of whatever it is that they are studying. I would encourage students to focus on and try to understand all of the key points in their textbooks. A major part of developing competency in academics is practice.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

I would help a student stay motivated by trying to relate the subject matter to their lives. Because I focus mostly on math and science, I would like to show real world applications of the concepts learned in class and attempt to show the student how cool math and science can be.

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

I would employ my teaching philosophy of explanation, practice, and review.

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

If a student struggles with reading comprehension, the student should be encouraged to read more outside of the tutoring session. During a tutoring session, the student can read small passages and answer questions based on those passages.

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

I have found practice to be most successful, because practice forces the student to apply concepts learned in class.

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

I would discuss and demonstrate real-world applications of the subject and show the student how what they are struggling with is an integral aspect of their daily life.

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

To ensure a student understands the material, I would review practice problems. If the student can successfully complete and explain the thought behind review problems, I can be sure that the student understands the material.

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

To build a student's confidence in a subject, I would show the student that whatever they are studying is not impossible, and that there are techniques available to answer any sort of question that they may see on an exam or homework assignment.

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

To evaluate a student's needs, I ask the student to tell me what they do not understand. If a student is at a point where they are not sure what they do not understand, I would discuss the subject matter until the student does not feel comfortable. I would then employ my “explain, practice, review” philosophy.

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

My tutoring philosophy of “explain, practice, review” is very flexible in the sense that any one of these three techniques can be stressed more or less. For example, if a student knows the facts associated with a subject matter, I would focus the majority of the tutoring session on practice problems.

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

I use PowerPoint Slides, outlines, practice problems, and fun applications of the subject being tutored.