What is your teaching philosophy?

My teaching philosophy is that all students, regardless of obstacles or difficulties in learning, are capable of succeeding when provided with genuine, effective, and differentiated support.

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

I would build a lesson that first introduced myself to the student and vice versa. Then, we would move on to ascertain why the student was there (i.e., what their goals are for receiving tutoring, how they feel about it, etc.). Finally, I would give a small assessment on the student's weaknesses and strengths in the subject in question.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

By using an I Do, We Do, You Do model of tutoring. First, the tutor demonstrates the proper way or method of approaching a question to the student. Then, there is a guided practice question in which both the student and tutor go through the problem together, from beginning to end. Finally, the student is prompted to answer the question independently.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

I think motivation differs depending on the student. I have often found that intentional goal setting is a good way to keep students accountable for their attitudes and actions.

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

If a student is having difficulty learning a skill or concept, I would first try to understand where the student is having this difficulty and address that directly. Often the problem can be found in a gap in understanding of a more fundamental skill. I would also try differentiating my approach (for example, using manipulatives for more visual learners).

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

Often, tapping into the student's basic interests and making reading an engaging experience can help a tutor understand if it is a student's lack of motivation or a more fundamental gap in understanding that is causing difficulty with reading comprehension.

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

Getting to know the student as a person, outside of the subject, is often the best way to gain a student's trust and keep it. Also, letting the student know that you have their best interests at heart and that their success is your success helps.

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

By connecting a difficult subject to a topic that is of interest to the students, it is easier to get students excited about their work.

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

Checking for understanding, either by assessments or follow-up questions, is the most important step of closing out a lesson.

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

Allowing a student to observe his or her progress and keeping records and anecdotal accounts is a good way to help that student understand how much they have grown.

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

By carrying out diagnostic assessments that gauge a student's strengths and weaknesses in a subject.

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

The better I get to know the student, the better I am able to understand their needs for differentiation. Many students require study aids; it is simply a matter of finding the one that works for the student in question.

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

It differs from student to student. Some students require visual aids; others merely need endless practice material.