What is your teaching philosophy?

My teaching philosophy is that how we're taught greatly affects the amount of knowledge gained.

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

During a first session with a student, I would like to take the time to get to know them by using ice breaker questions and other things that would make them more comfortable. Also, I would ask them what they felt they needed.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

In order to become an independent learner, a student needs to learn how to be outspoken and motivated to learn. I would help a student gain these traits by encouraging them to ask questions and involving them in teaching rather than telling them the information.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

In order to help a student stay motivated, I would draw connections to real life and keep them involved. A lot of students wonder when they will use the information they learn in school, and I would like to show them that it is valuable information.

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

If a student is having difficulty learning, I would go back to the beginning and go over it step by step. Also, there are other resources that can help such as videos and animations.

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

In order to help students struggling with reading comprehension, tracking and vocabulary work is necessary so that they can understand the smaller details that help supplement the bigger picture. In this case, it is understanding the themes.

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

When first starting with a student, I try to make them feel good about what they know, not about what they don't know. They need to feel comfortable and realize that it is not a bad thing to utilize a tutor.

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

I would remind them that everyone struggles with something. Then, I would take it step by step, and every time they get something right, I would reassure them that they know what they are doing.

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

I would verbally quiz and do practice problems to be sure that a student understands the material. I would verbally quiz because sometimes paper quizzes and tests intimidate students.

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

In order to build a student's confidence, I would break down a specific subject into parts and then teach those parts. Then, I would check the comprehension of each to insure that they are confident in the parts.

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

I would ask the students in the first session to tell me what they feel they need. Also, I would check their understanding of the subject or subjects they feel they are confident in.

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

I would try to get to know the student during the first session in order to adapt my tutoring techniques to the student and their personality.

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

During a tutoring session, I would use the regular materials such as books, notebooks, pens, and pencils, but I would also use technology. I believe that utilizing videos and animation to help supplement the written curriculum would be successful.