What is your teaching philosophy?

My teaching philosophy is that a positive attitude and an objective-based approach can make tackling even the most difficult problems more manageable. We will look to not just answer one question, but to understand the underlying concept the question is hoping for us to employ and then apply a relevant strategy for success.

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

We might outline goals, struggles, strengths, and expectations, along with some friendly get to know you time and some hard work! I aim to create a friendly, open atmosphere, but also one in which we improve as learners.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

My objective-based approach to learning is helpful in developing skills to not just answer questions, but to also understand them - and this is a strategy that makes for optimal independent learners.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

Motivation can be fueled by clear and approachable goals, and as long as we keep our desired long-term outcomes in mind, the hard work becomes worth it and rewarding.

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

I would maintain a positive attitude while also seeking to understand the root of the difficulty. As a result, I will aim to explain the concept from the ground up, or change approaches to a teaching style that better suits the student.

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

There are a number of strategies that help with reading comprehension (e.g., reading the questions before the passage) but there are also valuable skills in understanding reading and question procedures that I can help with that provide universal comprehension skills.

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

Trust, friendliness, and passion are paramount, but we also benefit if we share an idea of what success looks like and how to get there.

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

Most subjects can become imminently fascinating as long as the student understands how they relate to their real life. I hope to share new teaching styles that make potentially dense material fresh and revitalized.

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

I think that a student truly understands material when they can subsequently take conceptual learning and apply it to a different but similar set of problems. I hope to ensure student success even when the tutor is not there to assist.

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

Confidence is largely a byproduct of understanding and success. By building skills and knowledge from the ground up, tackling the easier problems not only helps feel energized and capable, it also enhances abilities to complete more advanced problems that come later.

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

A student's needs are based largely on goals, expectations, and evaluations of parents, teachers, or anyone else close to the student. Additionally, any part of the learning that they feel unclear on, should be addressed as a need for approaching in a different way.

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

I have a solid enough grasp on the material to alter my teaching approach based on the needs and learning style of the student. From basic-concept-learning to expert-level-refreshing, I am happy to provide any service the student requires or might benefit from.

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

From textbooks to real-world examples, I am eager to present material in a way the student understands and relates to, even adjusting my approach on the fly, if necessary. I'm here to help!