What is your teaching philosophy?

My goal is to improve the way in which students problem-solve in order to improve critical thinking skills and test scores.

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

During the first session with a student, it is important to evaluate problem-solving skills and experience in the subject. After the assessment, I will help students improve in both areas.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

I work on improving a student's critical-thinking skills, which can be used beyond the current homework assignment, test, or problem set.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

I show real-life ways that I've used the subject matter or seen it used.

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

Provide examples the student could relate to.

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

Describe how I would break down the passage.

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

Find some common interests.

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

Show some practical examples of how the subject could be used.

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

Ask the student to solve a new problem while guiding at key junctures.

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

Congratulate the student on successes and work on the challenges with enthusiasm.

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

Watch the student work through a problem and note the challenges.

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

I am very flexible, and will meet in person and online on short notice.

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

I've used peer-reviewed articles, textbooks, statistical programming languages and other tools.