What is your teaching philosophy?

I believe that students want to learn, but are discouraged because they are not in the right mindset to grasp certain concepts. I believe that by understanding what their challenge is, I can guide them towards a better way of approaching the subject, which will improve their learning capability.

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

I would gauge what they already know through a series of diagnostic questions, and identify what areas he/she has problems with.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

In order to become an independent learner, one must first appreciate the subject which they are learning. In addressing the root cause of difficulty for a student, I believe that the student will understand the concepts more easily, and naturally want to learn independently.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

In my lessons, I would give examples that show how practical the subject is in real life. For example, when teaching about forces, I can make comparisons to being in an accelerating and decelerating car.

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

I would break down a concept into smaller, less-complicated sections, and ensure the student understands each one before moving on.

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

I find that the initial gauging of a student's skills, followed by supplementary lessons, works well in increasing a student's learning capability.

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

Typically, students struggle with concepts they feel are too abstract. By showing that many topics have a practical, everyday aspect to them, it helps the student to better grasp the subject material.

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

I would test a student with a mix of questions they bring to me, as well as my own questions.

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

I would acknowledge when students make an improvement in understanding the subject material, and show confidence in their capability to learn.

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

By understanding what a student's goals are, I can tailor my lessons to cater to the student's needs.

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

I typically use whatever students bring with them, as well as bring my own resources and books that I feel will aid a student in the topic at hand.

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

Depending on the student's ability, I would determine if I am able to guide him/her through their struggle. If I determine it to be outside my area of expertise, for the student's best interest, I would recommend another tutor.

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

I would see what a student wants to achieve, as well as determine what level of understanding a student needs in order to reach that goal.