What is your teaching philosophy?

I believe in connecting and understanding the student first! In order to successfully tutor anyone, you first must understand their challenges and triumphs. How do they learn? Once you understand and know that, the possibilities are endless.

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

I would talk to them about themselves, their family, and just generally try to get to know them and let them get to know me. Then I would try an icebreaker.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

The best way is to teach them how to learn, how to ask questions, and how to use what they know to lead them to what they want to find out.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

I think it's best to focus on what they have done well. I would also remind them that learning is a process and there's always more to learn.

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

The answer to that depends on what the difficulty is. The approach is different depending on if it is an issue relating to mathematics, writing, or theory. I believe in tailored education; rote education.

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

I believe the core of reading comprehension lies in vocabulary. The larger the vocabulary, the easier it is to understand complex ideas and sentences. I would ensure the student has a good vocabulary foundation and move forward from there.

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

I would make sure to present the lesson in a varied manner. Its important not to learn through memorization.