I believe everyone has the capacity to think critically. However, most people reserve their cerebral juice for activities or interests that they find meaningful. As a tutor, it's my job to help students find a connection with the material they are struggling with. If this isn't possible, there is still great opportunity to help students improve their application of problem solving skills.

It's my responsibility to first assess what the student's greatest need is. Through communicating with the student and observing their learning strategies, I am able to formulate a plan for their long-term success.

An effective tutor, with care and sensitivity, is able to show students the great value in sharpening their skills. As a student grows as a thinker, through individually tailored lesson plans or learning strategies, they are able to take what's fostered in a given session, and apply it at home, the workplace, or classroom.

If a tutor can make it clear to a student that their needs, unique to themselves, are important and being deeply considered, almost naturally that student will be driven to excel. If a student is unmotivated, it's essential for a tutor to help that individual reshape their focus.

Firstly, I would emphasize that their issue with a particular skill or concept is not a reflection of their inability. I would then try and pinpoint, through conversation and questions, what is blocking them from engaging with the material. Oftentimes tutors have the opportunity to hit a kind of "restart" button with students.

Of first importance, is to encourage a student, especially within the session, to start slow--having the ability to master/digest a short block of prose, or even a few sentences, is crucial. I also encourage students to read aloud. I can't say enough how helpful it can be in eliminating "rush" reading or "glossing over." Successful reading comprehension is a combination of many factors, so approaching a passage or text with a strong foundation is key.

Mindful of time management, I make an effort to learn about my students--aside from their required reading, what do they like to read? Are they participating in any extracurricular activities? Is there a TV show or a painter they are obsessed with? Building rapport, on a personal level, with students goes a long way. When someone places a value on your style or interests, you typically see them less as an adversary and more as an advocate. Getting off on this type of footing, definitely makes for a more effective working relationship.

In some cases, I am able to personalize a subject for a student. Tutoring at an art and design school in Los Angeles, I often worked with fashion students or digital media students, who ardently disliked writing essays. I emphasized to them the importance of expressing themselves within their field; having the ability to convey their artistic philosophy via writing can provide them another way to break into their field.

I want my students to become independent thinkers. If we're working on an essay, I will ask students to read aloud what they have so far. I'm big on "sharpening" or "narrowing" the focus of an essay, or class assignment. My students benefit from creating outlines, or lists; aiding students in the pre-write process is crucial.

I'm relentlessly vocal to my students about their progress. I want them to know that merely scheduling a session and being open to guidance, is a victory/step in the right direction. With encouragement and an effort to make a personal connection with students, I'm able to minimize the roadblock they might be facing in a subject. The more students see that the work/action they're taking is evident to someone else, the more they are able to feel hopeful.

I use what I have in front of me. If a student provides a draft of something they need to turn in, I evaluate and determine if we need to focus on syntax or structure. I also consider the information the tutoring company provides me on a particular student, and address that in a first session. I am constantly reevaluating as sessions progress. A student's needs change.

Everyone learns differently. However, reviewing material, providing encouragement, and consistent dialogue with students is always key. I've found developing an effective pace is monumental when adapting to the needs of a student.

I utilize the tutoring company's platform as much as possible; it is very dynamic. I like that I'm able to upload documents to the work board, and see what the students sees. I also provide articles or relevant material via email between sessions when necessary.