My teaching philosophy includes a student-centered approach where my student’s needs and learning styles are put at a higher importance than just test scores. I believe students can't be explained through a test score and they should be treated as people within the classroom. I believe in using inquiry-based lessons to get my students thinking actively. I strongly believe in real world education and hands on activities.

In a first session with a student I would have to first learn a little bit about the student. I need to figure out their learning style, their favorite subjects, their least favorite subjects, how organized they are, the parental involvement, etc. By learning how a student learns, I'm better able to give them strategies and activities to boost their learning curve!

I can guide students to independent learning by helping them find what interests them. If they find an interest in a subject, they are more likely to work through the homework and all the tough parts. I had a student who loved shopping, so I tried to help her think of her homework as shopping, grades being the cool clothes she got for the money (homework) she put into it. It worked pretty well.

Motivation levels fluctuate from student to student and throughout the days of the week. I would help a student stay motivated by letting them know they have someone to help them. By showing them that they have a circle of people willing to help them and support them through the tough classes and homework. Building the confidence of my students is key to keeping them motivated!

Depending on the skill or concept there are many different options. I could use a learning strategy to make it fun and engaging, I could break it down and give examples, we could talk it through, watch a video, etc. The possibilities are endless.

Reading comprehension begins with vocabulary skills. The more words a student knows and understands, the better they are at reading and understanding the reading. I like to have students read out loud to me and stop when a work confuses them. I will then help them learn the word. Through Frayer models, we can stop and make vocab models for any text. Comprehension checks using questioning is also a major portion of this skill.

It honestly depends on the students and the subject and what they are struggling with. Frayer models are best for vocab and this is a great place to start when students are learning a new concept.

If a student is struggling, the first thing to do is help them understand the material. They need to know I am here to help and will walk through it step by step. The confidence boost is next. I need to stop them along the way and ask questions I know they can get right, this boosts their confidence and helps them get excited for the information. As I am walking through material and questions, the questions will get harder. This allows the student to start learning. Once they start learning and aren't upset or stressed, excitement and engagement just depends on relating it to something they love.

Questioning is great for checking for comprehension and is a necessary tool for any subject.

Building confidence is as easy as beginning with the information they already know, and then asking questions that branch off from there. It may take us working together to find the answer to the tougher problems, but the student’s confidence skyrockets when they get answers right and feel like they actually understand something.

Students needs vary from day to day. Sometimes they just need a little push in the right direction; other times they need a second lecture (lesson, activity, etc.) to help them understand the concept again. Finding out what they need is up to questioning and understanding their answers.

I have many books from my program with different strategies, which I will be using for all the students I teach in my day job as well as the ones I tutor after school hours. Using different strategies fit to the student is the best way to help any student.

I like to use videos, diagrams, activities, and the simple conversation about the information. These all help the student understand the information the most.