What is your teaching philosophy?

I try to make sure that students feel invested in and connected to the material they are studying so that they find it both beneficial and interesting.

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

I would be most concerned with assessing the student's current knowledge of the material, and learning how best to communicate with that student in a way that increases his or her receptiveness to the lesson.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

It is essential that a tutor provide every student with independent tools, whether that be appropriate study habits or practical materials for extra study.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

Students need to be reminded of their progress, so tutors should emphasize the improvements that students have made since the beginning of their learning experience.

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

I would be sure to spend more time honing in on the details of that particular learning skill or concept, making sure that I am not simply assuming the student already understands what is expected.

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

My main objective would be to reinforce vocabulary skills and concepts of theme, then to guide the student through reading passages by asking comprehension questions as the student reads. Students need to get used to thinking as they read rather than waiting to the end of the passage to start understanding its meaning.

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

I find that it's most important to develop a positive relationship with a student, whereby he or she feels comfortable enough to "mess up" and be able to accept my correction. Open and honest communication is always key to a successful tutoring session.

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

I would try to make that student feel positive about the subject in which he or she is struggling, always emphasizing their improvements in that particular area, or sharing my own experience with that subject as a young student.

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

I always like to ask students to explain to me in their own words either what it is that I have just explained, or to use a particular term, style, etc., in a sample question.

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

Students never want to be talked down to, and no one wants to be constantly reminded of their shortcomings. Therefore, I always focus on improvements made and delivering corrections in a positive manner.

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

I typically understand in which areas a student struggles after understanding her academic challenges as well as her unique personality. It's important to have a clear line of communication with a student so that she feels comfortable explaining to me in which areas she may need help.

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

Some students are very chatty; while others like to get right down to business. It is my job to strike a happy balance whereby lessons remain efficient and helpful but also interesting.

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

I make use of whatever materials I feel would be of most use to a student, whether that be flashcards, professional testing materials, or my own essays and study guides.