How would you help a student stay motivated?

I always assess where their needs and interests lay, and I encourage them in that direction, giving them plenty of tools to use.

What is your teaching philosophy?

It is important that the student have fun in order to stay receptive to new learning; moreover, it will abate stress, anxiety and fear associated with speaking a new language; enjoying oneself will keep the brain open and interested.

What might you do in a typical first session with a student?

Generally, we play a French game of cards. While focusing on playing the game, the student learns new words and phrases; it puts them at ease and they enjoy themselves.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

I suggest a lot of tools like specific learning books, websites, CDs, programs, watching French movies, teaching someone else, going to a French club, working with another person and always working out loud.

If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?

I change the concept to one they can identify with; we all learn differently and I always try to "feel" where their needs are so they stay open to learning.

How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?

I am teaching a language, so speaking is more important than reading in order to understand what they are saying in words. I believe their interest will help them with reading.

What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?

I always start with "feeling" where they are at and where their needs lay so I can set myself to their level and keep their interest.

How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?

Do something fun, play a game, and put them at ease; I also use colors and collages to motivate.

What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?

Feedback; with a language it's easy-- questions and answers, showing words or pictures.

How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?

I put myself to their level, I work with them, make it easy, I praise them and have fun with them.

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

I "feel" where they are and adjust my teaching to their needs so they stay open and interested.

How do you adapt your tutoring to the student's needs?

I talk with them, ask questions, play games, read, do exercises, and see how artistic they are, or timid.

What types of materials do you typically use during a tutoring session?

I like to do decoupage collages-- we use old magazines; when we write, I like to use colors and highlight important words/phrases; I like to draw and play word and memory games.