What is your teaching philosophy?

I believe in instilling a passion for lifetime learning into my students. One way I instill this passion is by being a model lifetime learner for my students. I also believe in teaching students with dignity, and in providing a fun, student-centered learning environment. I make sure that every child knows that they are worthy by listening to and caring for their needs.

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

Assuming that I have gained all the information about the student regarding his/her interests, goal, subjects that they love, their strengths and weaknesses prior to the first lesson, I would start my typical first session by exchanging our introduction. I would keep the conversation very general and let the student talk that helps me to assess the student's personality. In my first session, I would make sure that my students remember that I am there to help them and that literally no question they may ask is stupid or silly. Once I have established the right teaching environment, I draft a detailed plan of what I want to cover, and how much time I need to cover each topic. I would also provide a copy to the student so that they know the pace at which they need to learn key concepts. This helps them manage expectations and reminds them that Rome isn't built in a day. In my first session, my most important goal is to find out, at the end of day one, whether we can work together and what areas I need to work on in the student to help them become a proactive and focused individual. Tutoring involves teamwork between the parent, child, and tutor. With effective communication, well-planned goals and some advance preparation, we can make the first tutoring session off to an outstanding start.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

I would let the student do the work on their own. By giving control of the process to the student, I will encourage active learning and increase the student's self-confidence. The learning process can be frustrating and slow. Part of the learning process is also getting things incorrect and learning from it. I prefer to turn the learning over to the student and guide their thinking, but I do not think for them. I believe that the more independent they become, the better tutor I am.