My philosophy is simple: practice. I have trouble focusing while being lectured and because I think teaching should be more about doing. In math and science it's important to frequently practice problems, and English and the humanities it’s important to write and recall facts. Students should be honing their skills for most of the teaching experience while teachers are there as a guide if students get stuck or haven't encountered a concept. This philosophy has helped me to excel in my most difficult classes and standardized tests.

Depending on the subject, I like to start with some diagnostic problems and/or formulate a structured plan that is achievable yet highly progressive towards the necessary goals in the course/test being prepared for.

I like to stress this a lot but continuous practice is the key to success in any course or test preparation. Students can learn independently by doing practice problems with me up until the point where they feel comfortable doing them on their own and overcoming confusing concepts by themselves.

I think students will become increasingly motivated when they realize how quickly they can master concepts and how much they're capable of. I like to make that clear and reinforce it with constant indications of progress via practice problems.

Everyone learns differently so if one method of a learning a skill or concept isn't working, I think it's necessary to run through different methods of teaching whether it is through visuals, tutorials, audial explanations or any number of learning styles until I find one that suits the student. This is critical not only for concepts that are difficult at the time, but also future learning endeavors.

Reading comprehension may seem subjective at times but really it has clear themes and elements just as math and science problems have clear answers or history contains clear facts. I like to isolate these themes and implications that are a part of reading comprehension and make them clear to the student so they can start to recognize patterns in reading. This is a huge key to success on the SATs and other standardized tests.

The most important part of teaching is students performing the task at hand. Many times students will be lectured on a concept and think that they grasp it but when it comes time to apply the concept on an assessment it can be confusing because they've never actually practiced it before. It's really amazing how much more a student can learn when they are constantly working on their skills. I've found this to work all the time.

I like my students to think of difficult subject as challenges in the same way that competing in sports, performing music or creating art are challenges. They're difficult and can envelop your whole life for a time but that sense of accomplishment after achieving your goal is one of the best feelings in the world. I like my students to think of difficult academic concepts as challenges like these.

Periodic assessments. After isolating certain areas that need improvement, I usually address these areas after practicing with targeted assessments. These assessments will usually be applications of the concepts and will require comprehensive knowledge of the subject and also critical thinking skills to solve. This ensures students get the grades they want, or better.

I like to great a jovial environment for the student. I don't want students to feel pressured at anytime because that never helps with the ultimate learning goals. As such, in creating an encouraging atmosphere, students become confident in their abilities and perform better.

By cross examining the course or test expectations created by the teachers (or test makers) with the subject matter that gives a student trouble through diagnostic testing, I'm able to create a clear picture of the student's needs.

I like to think of myself as an adaptable person. As a result, my teaching styles are adaptive. If a student learns more effectively through diagrams and pictures then I'll produce diagrams and pictures. If a student likes reading or hearing an explanation, I'll give them an explanation. My experience with tutoring has helped me to become both a multifaceted teacher and learner. I feel as though all learning styles amalgamate to form a cohesive education.

Lots of practice problems, writing prompts, fact checks. I like to keep the material dynamic and have questions cover a number of different topics but also include a good deal of critical thinking. I also have compiled a list of the best (well, my favorite) test prep books for the all of the courses and tests that I have taken an exceeded in.