What is your teaching philosophy?

My teaching philosophy is probably best described as adaptive. That is, I seek to tailor my method of teaching to whatever strengths and weaknesses I am able to ascertain from my student.

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

To begin, I would most likely try to get some information from them regarding the class/exam they are struggling with. This would help me develop a better strategy when tutoring them.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

For me, the easiest way to do this would be for me to inform them on different ways (tips) that they could study specific materials.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

Classes and exams should be viewed as part of a much larger picture of one's learning. I show students that, while these specific issues may be tedious now, they are relevant to their education as a whole.

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

If one learning method is not helping this particular student, I think it is important to recognize this quickly and try to develop another way to teach this student the material.

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

On a more basic level, I think many times students simply need to take their time more when trying to read comprehensively. Along with this, several tips may help the student in this field, such as writing notes in the margins or trying to underline main points.

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

Taking some time to truly understand the student's strengths and weaknesses, along with their personal relationship with the material, can be crucial to working successfully with a new student.

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

Try to relate to the students that, while this subject may seem distant from what they view important, that oftentimes these subjects are intertwined in a way that makes learning this crucial to their overall learning.

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

I think flashcards and other "practice test"-like materials are a good way to gauge the student's learning on the subject.

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

I think the easiest way to do this is to begin by reviewing materials which are somewhat familiar to them. This allows them to build their confidence and familiarity with myself before moving on to harder materials.

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

By talking to them and asking specific questions about their relationship to the materials, what aspects of the material they find most challenging, and basic information about the course/exam that may be helpful in developing tutoring techniques.

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

This is best accomplished by having a variety of tutoring techniques. This allows you to match a students needs to various techniques that may be successful.

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

I typically like to use flashcards, the textbook for the course, any notes a student has taken from this course, perhaps my own personal notes on the subject, and also Internet sources.