What is your teaching philosophy?

I believe that each student will enjoy learning as long as the teacher makes the experience a positive one.

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

I'll try to get to know the student and try to find out where they need the help the most.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

After teacher-guided lessons, I would try some short assessments for the student to complete on his/her own. Of course, I wouldn't attempt this until I felt that the student is ready.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

I would use verbal praise for all the attempts the student makes to answer questions, whether the answer is correct or not.

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

I use as much repetition as necessary. Sometimes, I break the concept into smaller steps and use as much positive reinforcement as needed.

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

I try to relate the subject matter to real-life situations, and try to make the learning experience a fun one. Sometimes I do learning games with the students to help motivate them.

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

I would do oral comprehension questions during a reading lesson and then do a short assessment. In math, I would work the problems with the students and then give a short assessment when I feel the student is ready.

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

By giving oral and written assessments at the student's grade level.

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

After assessing the student, I would see what concept(s) the student is lacking in. For example, if the class is doing two-digit multiplication problems, but my student doesn't know his/her multiplication facts, I would go back and review them first.