Alex

What is your teaching philosophy?

I believe in a goal-oriented education centered around practical knowledge of abstract concepts. My preferred method of teaching primarily focuses on a guided system that allows students to find the answer for themselves in a way that aids their memory and comprehension of the subject matter.

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

My first session typically involves a brief introduction, as well as a separate sit-down with the student and their parents, in order to assess their needs and expectations. Furthermore, this helps me ascertain what methods of learning works best for my students, and I can cater to their individual needs.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

I try to begin every new topic with a practical purpose in order to help my students envision the concept being taught and why it is important. When they have questions, I will typically reflect the question back upon them and guide them towards finding a way to answer for themselves before stepping in, allowing for them to further develop their own critical thinking skills.

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

I would take a step back and allow them to see the big picture, giving them real-world applications and examples to give them perspective on what they are learning. This typically allows them to more easily grasp the topic at hand. Then I would walk back through the concepts with them, step by step, ensuring that they understand the fundamental concepts first before reteaching the current topic.

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

Having struggled with reading comprehension myself for much of my life, I find it helpful for students to take a second to relax, as stress can very easily inhibit an individual's ability to decipher what they are reading. Especially with regards to scientific texts and concepts, reading often necessitates patience, as well as taking the time to look up unfamiliar words and phrases before moving on to the next line.