What is your teaching philosophy?

Every person has strengths and weaknesses. The job of a teacher or tutor entails identifying strengths that will aid that student and coaching an individual on how to overcome any challenges in a subject.

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

A first session would include some time to get to know each other. Next, time would be devoted to learning where that student is experiencing difficulty in a subject. Finally, specific learning would begin with either the basic introductory information for that course or the specific area that is causing confusion.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

Often, students need assistance with basic study skills such as how to identify key concepts from a lecture or how to take better notes from that particular style of teacher. Sometimes, depending upon the age, students need guidance in understanding when they are at a point that requires additional study or questions.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

I like to celebrate achievements. It is important to point out to students when they have mastered a topic that was previously a challenge. Small goals often work best.

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

I would begin at the beginning! Too often students do not understand part of a concept because they need it broken down further or they did not understand a previous concept that was necessary for the current one.

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

For younger students, often vocabulary can be a factor in reading comprehension struggles. An initial evaluation of what may be causing the issue would be necessary.

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

No matter the age, students learn better when they can relate to the subject. For a college student learning accounting, preparing a balance sheet based on their own personal assets may be the best start. For an elementary student needing assistance with math, comparing their calculations to the points scored in their basketball game may be helpful.

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

In addition to relating the subject to areas of their own life that they can understand, relaying current events associated with that subject can be very helpful.

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

Having students perform by answering specific assignment questions is one way to determine if they are comprehending, but another key is to discuss the subject from different angles to determine the level of understanding that they have achieved.

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

Positive reinforcement is the answer. Every light bulb that turns on should be acknowledged, and even wrong answers can be useful when you explain to a student that you can see why they chose that or how close they were on a calculation.

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

Every single student is different, and consequently each need is different. It is so important to constantly evaluate where a student is at as you work with them.

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

Some students need in depth assistance. Some only need help on specific topics, and some really only lack confidence. I am happy to give as little or as much as the student needs to achieve their goals.

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

Textbooks, calculators, and online tools are standard. For younger students, games and rewards can be utilized.