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

In a first session, my first goal is to understand what you want to get out of our sessions. My second goal is to obtain an understanding of your accounting knowledge, and then build from there.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

Sometimes the biggest hurdle students have is learning how to study. Everyone has their own method that works best for them. My goal is to help you learn the basic fundamental concepts that can be applied to future questions.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

It is much easier to stay motivated if you understand the concepts. Sometimes it takes 3 or more times of trying to explain a concept, or having the student teach me the concept, before it is fully understood. Doing what it takes for each student to obtain that understanding goes a long way in helping students stay motivated.

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

Sometimes it can be as simple as taking a short break. Maybe I will have to work multiple problems before a concept is learned, or cycle through different explanations. The most important part is that the concept is learned. It doesn't matter how you get there, as long as you learn it.

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

Having a student teach me a concept is a great way to determine if they understand the material.

What is your teaching philosophy?

Every student can understand/learn accounting concepts; it's a matter of finding the right strategy that works the best for the student.