What is your teaching philosophy?

I want to help students work through difficult problems logically, even if you don't know how to do it right away.

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

In a first tutoring session, I focus on how you learn. I would go through problems with you while having you explain your thought process, so later I can explain harder concepts in a way you'll connect with.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

The best way to be an independent learner is to be unafraid of new and hard problems. I can help you with tools to attack new problems successfully on your own, even if you've never seen that kind of problem before.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

I think students stay motivated when they see they're making progress. I try to emphasize progress made after each tutoring session so students don't feel like they're not getting anywhere and lose motivation.

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

Everyone learns differently, and there are multiple ways of teaching every concept. We'll keep trying different ways until one works for you. We'll get there!

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

It's helpful to break large blocks of text down to smaller pieces, especially in standardized tests. Once the text doesn't look so intimidating, it's easy to focus on what it's actually saying.

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

I like to start by setting long- and short-term goals. This way you see improvement constantly as we work toward those goals one session at a time.

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

I try to apply subjects to the real world. Some subjects, like math, seem like they couldn't possibly do anything interesting, but there's almost always an exciting real world application.

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

I have students explain concepts to me as though I'm a new student. If you can teach it, you know it!

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

Confidence is built on constant improvement. By setting goals each session, students start to realize that they can figure out just about anything given enough time!

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

By asking the student!

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

I rely on the student to tell me when a concept is not making sense. There are multiple ways of teaching everything; if you tell me one's not working we'll try another.

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

I believe in using all the resources possibly available. This usually includes the class textbook if there is one, class notes, and usually the Internet.