What is your teaching philosophy?

My teaching philosophy is that all kids can learn and that learning is best accomplished when students "do." Children are inherently curious, and when that curiosity is harnessed, students can be taken to newer heights in their academics.

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

Teaching and learning are best achieved when a solid relationship based on trust exists between teacher and student. A first session might be spent doing icebreaker activities to get to know the student and then allowing them to share information with me. As they share information, I would also conduct multiple intelligence assessments to understand how the particular student learns best to shape future sessions.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

To become an independent learner, students first need to be equipped with effective learning strategies. Once they know the HOW, they can learn the WHAT, by being allowed to make do, make mistakes, and try again in a safe environment.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

Having a routine for our sessions means students know what to expect, including games and rewards. That routine keeps students motivated and interested.

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

Continue to reinforce it through the use of flashcards, games and review. I think it's also important to get to understand why the student does not understand, to get to the root of any misconceptions.

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

Finding a book that is on their current comprehension level is important. Allowing them to read books at their level will build confidence. Reading aloud with the student and asking them questions as the story progresses is helpful as well, so students understand meta cognition.

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

Getting to know the student through conversation and educational games. It's important to build a rapport and a level of trust with the student.

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

Make it real! How will this knowledge be used in the real world? Getting the student to understand a subject through authentic learning is the most effective strategy to get students excited.

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

Both formative and summative assessments are important. As we progress through lessons, we continually check for understanding. If we see a real struggle, we change the teaching and learning approach before the end of the lesson.

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

First, letting them show what they know and then filling in the gaps. At the end of the lesson we always want to point out to the student what they learned. It's also nice when a student can teach what they know either to a parent or other child.

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

It's a team approach! Getting as much information from the parent and/or school is invaluable. On a tutor to student basis, we are always gathering information through formal and informal assessments.

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

Using multiple intelligences results, I can adapt to different learning styles. This may mean bringing in more manipulatives or demonstrating on paper more, depending on the student's needs.

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

This would depend on the needs of the student and the setting in which the tutoring takes place. However, math manipulatives are a must! Supplemental books, flashcards, games, a computer - and of course just paper and pen!