What is your teaching philosophy?

I embrace Mastery Learning, meaning that the focus is to make sure students comprehend the material fully before moving on. The emphasis is not on how much material can be covered but rather on understanding the material. Discussion and maximum student involvement are key.

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

Ask them questions about the material: How far along are they? How do they feel about it? What are they struggling most with? What are they most comfortable with? What do they like the most? In addition to this, do some diagnostic tests to better gauge where they are at.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

Don't just feed them the answers. Let them figure out the answers themselves or with your assistance, if needed. Act as a guide and not a know-it-all that doesn't let them think for themselves. Have independent activities outside of tutoring sessions and the classroom where the student is necessarily on their own.

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

Re-teach the concept and if necessary tackle it from a different approach. Go over more examples. Have the student explain the concept in their own words. Try to find specific aspects of the concept that are causing the difficulties.

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

Start reading shorter selections and have fewer questions. Gradually build up to larger selections if their results improve. Concerning textbooks, advise them to read the material in shorter sections during an uninterrupted period of time (i.e. - no distractions). Taking brief notes on important parts helps.

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

Try to relate it to them personally or try to explain the general importance of it. Don't make lessons boring or monotonous (or at least make them as engaging as possible). Involve the student as much as possible; don't just talk to them the entire time. Make it a discussion.

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

Have them explain the concept in their own words. See if they can apply the concept to problems/questions. Go over the material with them in a back-and-forth discussion of it.

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

Don't correct them at every small mistake. Encourage them when they get something right. Work with them on mastering the material, and let them know they are improving.

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

Ask them about the material (e.g., how they feel about it, where they are in it, what their favorite part of it is, what their most difficult part is, what their easiest part is). Do some diagnostic tests or practice problems on various topics.

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

My old textbooks, practice problems, their textbooks, online learning sources, and charts.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

Encourage them when they are doing well or get something correct. Don't minutely scrutinize everything they may not do correctly or understand. Focus on broader understanding before going into specifics and small details. Help make them feel confident and capable about the material.