What is your teaching philosophy?

Practice makes perfect. I believe the hands-on approach helps students master the how-to in solving problems in math.

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

I would introduce myself and have us talk about ourselves. From here I can try to get to the root of whatever hindrances a student might have, as well as determine their educational level so I can know where to start.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

Give him or her work to do on their own, which include challenges that require research.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

Praise and celebrate each accomplishment! It's important to find the silver lining, and encourage the student to draw strength from that.

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

Restate and communicate the basics of a subject in order to build the student's ability up.

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

Practice patience and acknowledge the difficult areas. I try to work through them by explaining what is being said, which helps the student begin to understand the text.

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

Review knowledge and abilities of the student, and start at a level that the student is comfortable with. This gives us a starting point to grow from.

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

Try to make the subject relevant, and introduce ways to utilize information for the student's future.

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

Review review review. Testing and challenges can also draw out the student's potential.

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

Take it one problem at a time. Each successive victory must be celebrated, and affirmative complements help.

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

I communicate with the student, and I introduce areas of learning that require the student to demonstrate their knowledge of the subject.

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

I observe a student's pace and ability. I also make sure that we are marching at the same pace.

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

Textbooks, pencil and paper, and a computer if the Internet if available.