I believe in using personalized methods to help students achieve independence in their learning environment. Identifying how they best learn and being able to utilize that is the key to their success.

The first sessions is always the most important. I try to use practice questions and exams in order to gauge the student's capabilities, and to identify weaknesses and problem areas.

Every student is unique. That said, the key to helping a student become an independent learner is to identify what learning and memorizing methods work best for them, and finding their motivation to pursue those avenues.

Many students only suffer because they are uninterested in a subject matter. By finding ways to relate less interesting subjects to things the student does enjoy, they can be motivated to perform at higher levels.

There is never one solution, and often not one single reason, for a student having difficulty with a concept. The goal is to identify why something is difficult so the student and tutor can work together to find better ways to learn the material.

Reading takes patience and persistence. By continuous practice with vocabulary and targeted reading passages, plus the proper encouragement, any student can improve their reading ability.

The most important thing is getting to know the student. Who they are and how they learn dictates everything that follows in their lessons.

Engagement with a subject is a byproduct of interest. Identifying a student's interests and linking them to the subject matter keeps them excited and engaged.

Especially with test prep, the best way to create benchmarks is to take practice tests in circumstances that simulate the testing environment. This way I, as the tutor, can better gauge the student's abilities and understanding.

I believe wholeheartedly in positive reinforcement, be it verbal or in writing when reviewing a student's written work.

There is no simple answer to this question. Every student is an individual and their needs manifest themselves in different ways. Sometimes, a simple practice test clearly shows what a student needs; other times, it is only through time and discussion with the student that their specific needs can be identified.

If they like to look, we look. If they like to sing, we sing. If what helps them is to simply to have someone there to watch and correct for mistakes, then that is what we do. The student's needs are of primary importance.

I am a proponent of bringing in helpful technologies when applicable, be they computer programs, apps, or calculator functions. With younger students, it is sometimes helpful to use craft materials as a way of engaging with a subject matter.