What is your teaching philosophy?

My philosophy to teaching has been cultivated through the student-centered approach to learning. The first goal is to create a positive learning environment that will engage our classroom. Thereafter, insight is enhanced by instituting comprehensive instruction and in-depth dialogue. Last, I believe that encouraging scholarly growth equates to supporting the maturation of critical thinking. Such an approach should assist in developing individual scholarly voices, ultimately refined through class discussions, assignments, and personal experience.

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

During the first session, time will be taken to get acquainted and establish tutoring goals.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

Students can become independent learners by allowing me to guide them through their assignments, by showing discipline toward learning, and by following instructions as designed by their teachers and/or professors.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

Positive self-talk and validating progress are two methods to keep students motivated.

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

When a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, it becomes necessary to return to the beginning of the assignment and/or reading materials and break down the content into small chunks.

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

Sticking with the "small chunks" method, students can improve reading comprehension by reading one paragraph at a time and noting the information read.

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

Active listening is the strategy that promotes a successful working relationship with students.

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

When fear regarding subject matter is identified and acknowledged, students tend to become more engaged and excited about their academic journey.

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

During the process of learning, students can benefit from constructive inquiry. This method of asking students to verbally repeat content and concepts helps with retention and overall comprehension.

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

Positive reinforcement using verbal cues such as "Good Job," visual cues such as a picture with a smiling face and/or a star, as well as showing the student their growth since the first tutoring session.