What is your teaching philosophy?

That the teacher and tutor have great influence on the student both in educational goals and life goals; so I hold that responsibility highly and challenge myself to adapt to the learning style of the student, and also encourage them to learn in diverse ways as well. I hope to keep learning and investing time and resources to be the best tutor I can be, not for myself but for the students.

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

I would ask them if this their first time: a) taking this specific math course b) looking at material c)taking the test d)looking at homework. The follow up questions then would then be: a) what was the previous math course taken? b) how motivated are they and what are their future goals? From these few questions I would then analyze if I should explain foundational concepts, or come up with practice problem(s) for me to go over, to go over together and then have the student go over themselves, as I monitor their math work.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

How I would help a student become an independent learner is by giving reasons that apply to students about what value and strengths they have. This can be applied to learning and striving to be an independent learner.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

I will ask the student what their future goals are, where they see themselves in the future and advise them that staying in school, doing well, and finishing well in all subjects - including math, will get them there. Today, this assignment, test, homework problem is the first step to getting to where they want to be.

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

I initially go through a practice or example problem step by step. Then, I go through it with the student and finally encourage them to complete it on their own - with me as a safety net. If the student doesn't yet get it, I pinpoint foundational factors we can review to get a stronger grasp of the math concepts.

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

First, I would read the prompt or reading section together with the student. I would be paying attention to words or concepts that are hindering the student's success. Then, I would encourage the student to ask questions about the concept or words that are causing them to struggle. I would then produce a plan to help the student understand the concepts better and practices to help them read and comprehend better.

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

Strategies that I have found that work best to see successful results when working with students are knowing what goals the student is going for and using their strengths to their benefit rather than just seeing their weakness. I would target areas of weakness not as just weakness but potential areas of growth and success for student. I would also see how the student works, understands, and ask questions and see if I can introduce new perspectives to learning.

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

I would encourage them to pursue their goals and to be determined to get there. I would also explain that there is a process and journey to get there and this subject, school, and finishing school is a step to completing and seeing their goals become reality. Also, I would see what other steps like perspective and people around them can support them in the specific subject and in their goals.