What is your teaching philosophy?

Make mistakes! It's important to practice, and mistakes are a natural part of practicing. I like to think of it as getting all the mistakes out of one's system.

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

Actively apply the subject they are practicing; assess their current understanding; discuss their relevant wishes and goals; overview the take-aways.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

Make it fun and interesting so they have a desire to practice on their own time.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

By using materials that interest them, and maintaining positivity, encouragement, and lightheartedness.

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

Try to see the strengths and build on that foundation. Try to relate the unfamiliar concept in a new and meaningful way.

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

It depends on the student. We might read out loud; I might ask for a summary or answers to comprehension questions. I might rap the words or ask them to do so.

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

Primarily a teacher must listen to their student. They must ask interested questions. They must demonstrate comprehension of their student's point-of-view. They must also recognize how and when to challenge each student.

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

Show them something they like -- a video or song, and relate it to the subject. Tell them what they'll be able to do when the apply the new information.

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

I'd present opportunities for the student to read, write, speak, and listen. One of these areas is likely to be stronger than another, so it's important to do all actively, not just for practice, but also for evaluation.

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

Acknowledge their accuracy and their growth.

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

Listen. Ask. Observe. Repeat.

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

This is essential in order to deliver the proper level of practice and challenge, which creates progress. I adapt through meeting their demeanor intuitively and getting to know them by paying attention.

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

Anything is fair game. We will reference media; we'll use the whiteboard tools; we'll have a conversation; make jokes; watch videos; listen to music; read poetry.