What is your teaching philosophy?

The role of teacher is best defined as facilitator, (one who provides the access to specific knowledge) and instructor (one who provides the keys to understanding the specific knowledge). In the online environment, there is little else that can be done. Open the virtual door to the 'classroom' and provide the subject information, offer encouragement, show examples, nudge the student for questions and respond with a reply that will encourage the student to dig deeper and maybe even learn more about the topic. Repeat the cycle as many times as necessary to provide the assistance that each student requires. The job of an online facilitator or instructor is not that of the traditional teacher that is forced by circumstances to chase learning into the heads of the students. The job of the facilitator/instructor is to provide the access to as much information as the student requires to achieve the level of knowledge required by the subject at hand. I receive great personal satisfaction as a provider of information. I get excited when there is evidence of learning from the information that is provided. I do get frustrated when there is a refusal to attempt to learn. I get more involved with the student that WANTS to acquire the information provided, they are the real reason that we exist. The wise students use us willingly, and all students need us to willingly be there for them. I enjoy being there when there is a need.

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

I spend some of the allotted time getting to know the student and offering information about me as requested. We then explore the subject and seek to find the best place to begin for the student.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

Helping to become an independent learner is really how I understand what I do. I offer the information that is required, and then show the student how to acquire further information on the subject.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

Motivation is such a personal thing that it requires that the student and I to spend time talking and getting to know each other. Once there is a level of comfort felt by the student, then the motivational encouragement can begin with a real chance of success.

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

Repeat the instructions, and encourage the student to offer their thoughts on the subject in search of a common thread that can be used to assist the student in mastering that particular area.

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

Reading comprehension is an absolute must have skill for everyone. I try to find an analogy or other understandable area to compare the current reading with, so that the student can grasp the content.

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

The most successful strategy that I have found to usually work is when I treat the student as a human - not as a student.