What is your teaching philosophy?

I believe in meeting students where they are at. I believe it is a disservice to try and skip over concepts. It is the tutor's job to find out what is the best way to approach a subject for optimal comprehension.

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

I will discuss what struggles the student is having in the particular subject. I would then ask the student to choose a goal for our sessions. We would spend the rest of the time going through some of the topics they have already gone through so that I can check their understanding.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

I help to guide students in the beginning of our sessions and slowly take my hands off as they work through problems, until they are able to work out the problems on their own. I allow them to make mistakes in a safe environment so that they are comfortable with the material.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

I believe students do not hear positive reinforcements enough. I do my best to praise good progress and make them feel comfortable to make mistakes as long as they are learning.

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

I find many different ways to approach that particular skill or concept. Everyone learns differently, and as a tutor I believe that it is my job to figure out how to teach them.

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

I check understanding by having the student do practice problems. "Perfect practice makes perfect."

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

I tend to use all types of material for my students. I will use the student's assignment and books, as well as online worksheets and books of my own.