What is your teaching philosophy?

I believe it's important to connect with students by making the subject relate to their own interests and using humor. Additionally, I approach each student uniquely and work with them based on their own unique goals. As for humor, I think humor is essential in the learning process because it keeps us more relaxed, connected, and amused, which are all qualities that keep our minds open to learning. I also like to keep in mind my students' personal interests, so we can use them as starting points for subject material in language discussions or practical applications of material.

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

The first session will cover an evaluation of goals related to the subject material and an assessment of skills. It may also include an actual content lesson or the development of a curriculum plan, if applicable.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

Students are encouraged to explore topics of their interest on their own. They can use websites, read books, watch other cultural content related to subject materials, and write reports or summaries of what they've learned from doing such activities. Basically, independent learning is about exploring and researching your curiosities, without being told to do so.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

Because each relationship is created on the basis of some kind of specific goal, I would help them keep that goal, and the impact of said goal, in mind when they might start to feel less motivated. It's key to have a relevant "why" - which may be more than just a test score but could be something like "getting into a good college" or "being able to communicate in the target language in order to travel."

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

I like to first break down concepts and relate them back to something they already understand. Then, I like to have them repeat it back to me and ask them questions throughout to help them explain the concept to me. Then, we can work on examples to practice implementing the concept. If the student has difficulty with the concept, we can experiment with different learning/teaching styles, perhaps using YouTube to hear an explanation from someone else. Then we will continue to practice it.

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

I believe it's key to be able to relate the subject back to their lives, in practical terms. For example, in language, we can go over vocab that relates to their interests and then use that to talk about their hobbies or interests. In math, we can make word problems relate to things that could actually come up for them in real life (e.g., like if they wanted to figure out how long it would take them to get somewhere they wanted to go if they needed to drive the speed limit).

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

I like to have the students explain concepts to me in their own words, as if they are teaching me - with examples. In language, another way is to have them actually use it - via speech, reading, and writing.