What is your teaching philosophy?

I need to get to know you and your learning style before I launch into this answer. For some students, hands on learning is necessary; for others, visuals and auditory input may be more powerful. I work with my students' strengths to help them get stronger.

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

I would get to know them. I would ask them questions about what they do well and where they want to improve. We may set some goals at this point, or I may use the information I gather to prepare some assessments to figure out the best way to approach their needs.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

By building on previous knowledge and scaffolding new information, presenting it in a way that works best for the student. Eventually, the tutor begins to remove some of the scaffolds put in place, and releases the information to the student when they demonstrate autonomy and the ability to explain their thinking on a particular subject on their own.

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

Research new ways of presenting the information, and give the student multiple forms of input.

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

By helping a student connect to the text in ANY way, we can improve comprehension. Also, teaching them skills to help them pull out key information that directly relates to the questions being asked.