The core of my teaching philosophy is the understanding that every student is different! In a tutoring setting, I will first try to find the areas in which the student is struggling. From there, I will attempt to learn what methods are most effective in instructing the student. Finally, using a teaching strategy that is effective for the student, I will spend a small amount of time reviewing strengths, while allotting most of the session to improving weaknesses. By tailoring my approach to each student, I hope to improve their confidence in the classroom and help them achieve the highest level of success possible.

In a first session with a student, my first goal is to get to know them as a person and a student, so that I may begin to understand how they think and how they may best understand instruction. Second, I want to learn why they sought out tutoring; simply put, are they attempting to improve on a weakness that has already been recognized or trying to insure that they stay on pace with classmates? Finally, I would want them to take a short diagnostic test so that I can evaluate their current comfort level with the material.

First and foremost, I would encourage them to identify their own strengths and weaknesses. By telling them to review their own work once it is graded, students can better understand what types of questions they should be working on.

Second, I would encourage them to go above and beyond the assignments they are given. With the wealth of information available to students today, they should seek out practice questions and tests, especially when they are struggling in a particular area.

Finally, I would encourage them to use their tutor as a resource to handle specific questions, not as a review of a class. I would encourage students to familiarize themselves with the class content before class, take detailed notes during instruction, review those notes and perhaps attempt a few questions, and then use the tutor as a resource to walk them through more challenging materials.

With each student, one of the first things I would ask them is why they want to succeed in a given course. I would also attempt to show each student why the subject they are studying is important to them and how it can help them achieve their goals. Also, I would encourage them to strive toward each goal with persistence and dedication! Failure does not mean one has lost hope; failure is merely an opportunity to become better. Similarly, success is something that must be maintained and is not achieved in an instant. Rather, one achieves success through consistency and by focusing on the next challenge instead of dwelling on the last one.

First, I would reteach the concept in such a way that would be more effective for the individual student. Then, I would walk through several examples with them, each increasing in level of difficulty. Finally, I would have them walk me through an example. If the student is still struggling, I might try to review the concept using a different method. I would once again have them walk me through an example, stopping them along the way to aid them in correcting mistakes.

Encourage them to slow down! The student should take the time to digest each phrase, focusing on what the selection says as opposed to simply getting through it. One exercise that I would use would be to have the student read a short passage and then answer a few basic questions without looking back.

The most important aspects of helping a student are understanding what their aspirations are and how they best receive instruction. Both of these can be understood more fully by simply getting to know the student as a person. It is also extremely important to show the student that the material they are learning has a purpose and can have useful applications in day to day life.