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

In a typical first session, I like to get to know the student a little bit-- their interests, areas of strengths and weaknesses, goals for tutoring, and style of learning. Some of this can be learned through conversation and some through trying a few problems or completing some work together.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

Students become independent with practice and confidence. I like to help guide students through the steps, modeling and discussing as we go - but giving the student many opportunities to try on their own with support and then without.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

Students deserve praise for trying something challenging and should get constant reminders of how far they've come and what they've learned. I believe motivation is built when students feel they're "getting something," when something that was difficult becomes understandable or easy.

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

Everyone learns differently and, at times, needs to try a new approach or method to learning a skill or concept. I think it's very important to have multiple tools in a teacher's (and learner's!) toolbox.

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

There are many strategies to improving reading comprehension. Some things I teach and work with students who struggle with comprehension include working on context clues, close reading, stop and jots, graphic organizers, note-taking, SQ3R, questioning, making meaningful connections, activating background knowledge summarizing, and discussing texts.

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

Often students need to understand why they're learning something and how it's useful in real life. Explaining or giving examples that are relevant to their world increases engagement and excitement. I also love to incorporate students' interests into lessons.

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

I like to use technology when appropriate in lessons -- sometimes as a way to activate prior knowledge and sometimes to provide guided or independent practice. I think manipulatives can make a huge difference in math lessons and try to use them as much as possible as well.