Steven

What is your teaching philosophy?

Learning is one of the most important things you can do for your future. It also should be a little bit fun.

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

In the first few minutes I like talking with the student so they can relax and get to know each other. Then, we discuss the subject to see where they are. Now, we start the lesson.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

You cannot give students the answers to the questions. You can lead them or guide them, but they must come up with the answers. This will help them be an independent learner.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

I would make the subject matter interesting to them. I would also explain how important an education is for your future, no matter how old you are.

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

I would explain the concept in many different ways.

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

We reread the material. We do it slowly and break down the paragraph until they understand.

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

First, we talk to get to know each other. I have found this relaxes the student. We then get a general idea of the subject matter and what the learner knows. We start the lesson.

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

Break down the subject so it is easier to understand. We would have a general conversation of what they understand and what they do not understand. I would make it a little bit fun.

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

I would have them answer questions about the material. They would be verbal and written.

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

I would reward him/her with reassurance and praise with every correct answer. For example, I would say: good job, excellent thinking, and CORRECT. Even when the answer was not correct I would say that is close or we are on the right track.

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

It starts from our early conversations. We see how we are performing during the lesson. We assess the student and make adjustments.

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

It starts from the first conversation about their knowledge of the subject matter. We then begin the lesson and adapt the level of difficulty and use my input to reach the correct plan.

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

The student usually has all the necessary material because it relates back to the school. I do bring handouts, books, and samples if necessary.