I use my social work background to inform my philosophy of tutoring in that I believe in a strengths-based approach, and I assume success in each student. I view tutoring as a way of helping students learn how to learn, and confidence is an essential part in that journey. It is important to celebrate small successes, provide positive reinforcement, and focus on progress not perfection. Students not only become more confident in the subject material, they also become more confident in continuing their learning in the future.

I would like to get to know students in the first session. I want to learn about their learning styles, what their challenges are with the content, and what they've done to try to overcome those challenges. I would like students to tell me what they want out of the sessions and to talk about how my methodologies and their goals can align.

I always encourage students to take the lead. I ask lots of questions and act as a support for students finding the answers and understanding the content themselves. I think it is important for students to try practice questions on their own and talk through their thinking out loud. I will not simply be telling students what to do. My job is not to simply teach, it is to guide students in learning how to learn.

It is important to meet a student where they are. SMART goals are an important part of the process. Small, measurable goals that are achievable will provide success throughout the learning process and keep students from staying discouraged.

It is important to be well versed in different learning styles and methodologies so that if one method does not work, the tutor can try another. It is helpful to ask questions to get an idea of at what level of the concept the disconnect is occurring. The tutor can then address the issue from a more informed position or break down the concept/skill further.