How can you help a student become an independent learner?

Helping a student become an independent learner is achieved through having the student focus on tasks that require the student to work independently and to take responsibility for the successful completion of the task(s). This is something that occurs over time during tutoring sessions, and will be measured toward the final goal. Feedback is also given to the student during the process, to ensure that the student stays on task to meet the goal(s).

What is your teaching philosophy?

DR. MAUREEN SULLIVAN TEACHING PHILOSOPHY Why I Teach Teaching students is a wonderful and critical job in empowering students. Teaching and tutoring allows me to serve as mentor and coach to a student seeking to improve their skills. More importantly, I teach because it allows me to encourage lifelong learning in students. Through teaching, I am able to share my enthusiasm for learning, and show that creativity and fun are parts of learning. As important, improving literacy in math, science, writing and other subjects are key to a student's success. What I Teach It is critical to create real-world connections in the classroom while producing a student-centered learning environment. Encouraging student responsibility and accountability for accomplishing the assigned work is key to helping students understand what it takes to succeed. As important, requiring critical, creative, and bold thinking during lessons ensures that students get the most out of the lesson, and are able to transfer that kind of thinking to the classroom. Also, instilling the desire to ask questions when needed and to effectively problem solve allows students to use these skills in all subjects. Most importantly, effective communication (oral and written) skills are key tools for students to be successful inside and outside of the classroom. How I Teach Teaching allows the use of various instructional strategies to achieve the goals of learning. When designing a teaching or tutoring plan, full consideration of the learning styles and aptitudes of the student are assessed. Moreover, actively engaging the students in their learning allows for the students to more engage in the process of teaching and learning. One excellent way to engage students in the classroom and create real-word connections is to utilize technology and maintain one's current knowledge as a teacher. Today, students are constantly enveloped in technology. Using technology in the classroom spawns student interest and connects lessons to their everyday lives. Incorporating technology in the classroom is a must, not only to engage students but to prepare them for the rapidly growing and changing world. Technology should be used in every way possible in the classroom. In order to maintain this goal, it is important to continue one's education as a teacher. Teachers need to stay informed and current in their knowledge of technology, as they do their content area. Measuring the effectiveness of teaching and tutoring is key to ensure the success of students. Through reflective practice, teachers can assess the retention of lessons taught. Also, feedback from students, parents, and colleagues allows for inclusion and revision of teaching philosophies to ensure success of students and teachers. Most importantly, continual communication with students and parents on the expectations and successes of the students is key to the learning environment.

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

During the first session with a student, I normally ask the student to describe things they like to do in an effort to get to know the student better. Also, time is dedicated mainly to understanding what the needs and expectations of the student are. Additionally, time is spent on expressing my teaching philosophy and what ways I can possibly assist the student with their goals.