What is your teaching philosophy?

I believe that every student can learn and achieve. Every student learn differently. I try to differentiate how I present lessons so that various learning styles are incorporated.

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

I would try to get to know the student a little bit and find out his/her strengths, weaknesses, and possible learning styles. I would then try to formulate, with the student, a "game plan" to achieve his/her goals.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

I would model the work first, and also help the student make as many real-world connections as possible. Once a student sees real-world applications, learning becomes a natural process.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

Positive reinforcement is always good. Hearing that you are doing a good job makes a difference to many students. I also would find out their likes/dislikes, and try to provide them with incentives.

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

I would ask them specifically what they didn't understand and break down the concept from there. I also would teach it again in a different way than I taught it the first time. Students have different learning styles.

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

I would work with them on vocabulary, and using context clues while reading.

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

I would try to get them to make some connections with it to their own lives. I also would incorporate technology into how I taught it.

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

I would evaluate the student's comprehension through oral and written assessments. It also could include quick multiple-choice or T/F questions.

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

Positive reinforcement that they are putting in the effort, and that it is starting to pay off, is probably the best way to boost confidence.

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

I would look at class assignments/tests to see how they answered questions. I also would speak with them and probably orally quiz them on their subject to determine strengths and weaknesses.

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

I would probably have the student do a learning style profile to see what kind of learner they are. I would then try to tailor my approach to that so learning in optimized.