What is your teaching philosophy?

Academia can oftentimes seem like a repetitive cycle of memorization, but is regurgitating information really "learning" a concept or process? My teaching philosophy stresses both the "why" factor and placing ideas, concepts, and teachings within a greater context. Simply memorizing facts does not equate to knowledge- I will challenge students to critically think about what they are learning while encouraging them to ask questions beyond the presented content.

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

Outside of my personal preparation before an appointment, a portion of my first session with a new student will consist of evaluation, goal setting, and a definitive plan of action. I will want to ascertain the student's current situation, what he/she hopes to accomplish, and a detailed plan with progress reports mapping out a path to success. After both the student and me are on the same page, I will proceed with an appropriate first day lesson plan based on the content being covered.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

Intertwining a student's personal passions with academia is oftentimes a powerful formula for perpetual growth and independent learning. Encouraging students to ask questions, pursue areas of interest, and be proud of academically performing well encourages holistic learning that applies far beyond the classroom.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

The best form of motivation is tangible results coupled with frequent progress reports while never losing sight of the "end" goal. There will undoubtedly be bumps along the path to success, but adhering to a detailed plan of action while always making myself available to students as a resource will mitigate discouragement. Additionally, conveying that true success is not a matter of instant gratification, but a methodical process of good habits over a prolonged period of time helps debunk the mystique that true "success" is easily achievable, making it that much more rewarding.