What is your teaching philosophy?

I believe strongly in the idea of self-guided discovery, where I guide my students through the process of figuring it out for themselves. This works especially well for reading and writing assignments, but it applies to the sciences as well. My favorite moment is when my students get that "aha!" look in their eyes and gain the confidence to continue on their own, without my help.

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

I would first take time to get to know the student, what their learning style is, what their frustrations are. Then I would listen to them explain what they already understand so that I can help to fill in the blanks, instead of teach what they already know.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

The best way to learn is to teach, so I have my students teach me. I show them a correct pattern for how to learn, and then I have them teach it back to me, with me correcting where necessary.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

I have them set small, manageable goals that lead to their final goal. Then I make sue to recognize each accomplishment and point out their progression, so they know how they are succeeding.

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

My favorite thing is to use analogies and metaphors that are easier to comprehend, and that make a difficult concept easier to understand. I try to relate each comparison to something that they already understand completely, so as to make lasting connections.

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

I have found that the easiest way to increase comprehension is to simplify the material and break it down into layers that can be analyzed individually. Once each of these layers are understood, then the whole passage can be put together again with better understanding.