Robert

What is your teaching philosophy?

I recreate problems that are geared toward student hobbies and interests. I use technology to prove mathematical concepts. I give students a notes sheet after every session that they can use for studying and homework assignments.

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

Get to know their interests and hobbies, so I make sure that they problems I create are related.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

The notes sheet I create with the student can be used to help them be independent.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

I have found out that the more I incorporate interests in mathematics, the more likely the student is to be motivated and persevere.

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

I use pictures and technology, to allow the students to see the mathematics. Then focus on the actual concept.

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

Keep the session upbeat and allow students to share their ideas in a friendly environment.

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

Recreate it and make sure they are interested in the topic.

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

If they student can explain it in words, then they are able to understand the mathematics.

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

Start with scaffolded problems that allow student to delve right in. Then take accommodations away one by one, so that eventually the student is answering questions on their own.

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

I do a bunch of practice problems with them based on their current content. If this doesn't work, I usually ask them.

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

The student’s math book and technology.

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

We focus on circling important words that allow us to answer the question.

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

I usually ask them what they need. Being a teacher, I am able to adapt quite easily.