What is your teaching philosophy?

My philosophy is to incite a genuine interest in my students so that the material is more engaging, and thus, their goals are more attainable. I also adapt my methods to my students' unique learning styles.

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

In a typical 90 minute Spanish class, we will go over verbs, grammar, and concepts from the previous class, practice with written and verbal test problems, carry out a popcorn review of relevant verbs and vocabulary, engage in a game or role play, introduce new concepts, and do a short listening and/or writing exercise. I like to keep activities short and engaging, and to balance new concepts and previously learned themes.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

I encourage my students to determine what they want to learn.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

I match my teaching styles with my students' learning' styles and interests.

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

I'd explore several ways of approaching the topic / subject in order to see what resonates best with them.

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

Very small steps - and topics that are very interesting to them!

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

Please see previous answers.