What is your teaching philosophy?

Teaching should be personal, fun and meaningful while also engaging through valuable conversations and tasks. A good teacher scaffolds instruction with the goal of independence for the student!

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

A first session would be a "getting to know you" session. I would spend the majority of the time learning about the student: likes, hobbies, favorite subjects, interests, etc. I would also share the same about myself.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

Scaffolding: starting with strong teacher support while giving new learning material, and then backing off a little at a time until the student is independent at the task.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

Enthusiasm is contagious! Rewards and incentives are a great tool!

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

When a student encounters difficulty with a concept, I approach that skill in a different way to reteach.

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

There are many ways to aid comprehension: break down the material and ask questions to check for understanding, read, cover, repeat, change variety of note-taking tasks, and use questioning techniques.

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

Again, my enthusiasm will mirror student engagement. Reward systems can also motivate students.

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

I would try to incorporate multi-kinesthetic methods, reteach material the following lesson as review, quiz or have the student create a quiz and answer their own.

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

Building confidence starts with the rapport you have with a student. I always use praise and body language that builds confidence.

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

Evaluation would take place after material has been covered and the student shows mastery in practice. I do not believe in too fast a pace as mastery comes with repetition.

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

I adapt student needs according to learning style, need for accommodation according to test results or any mental/physical challenges the student may have.

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

I use various materials that the student may require from their school and implement what I deem necessary in addition: books, manipulatives, pictures, songs, movement, or art.

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

As previously mentioned, I start with a "getting to know you" session showing my interest and concern for them. Then, I share similar information about myself and allow appropriate questions to be asked.