What is your teaching philosophy?

I will not just give you an answer; together we will work through any problem to ensure you get the material!

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

My first session will be about getting comfortable with the student. In order for the relationship to work, the student has to be comfortable.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

The student cannot be fed answers. I will guide them in the right direction, but they will be completing assignments mostly on their own.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

Sometimes a problem can seem overwhelming. Part of my job as a tutor is to remind the student that while it seems hard now, we'll get through it, and it won't seem so bad down the road.

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

I would have the student work through the concept with me, guiding and teaching my own methods for success in the area. If there are still problems, I will do independent research on teaching strategies and return to the topic at the next session.

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

I will constantly positively reinforce their learning. When a student does well, they will be praised, and this shows the student that what once seemed very difficult is now an achievement.

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

When going over a new concept, the student will be asked to demonstrate their knowledge. After working with them, I will have them repeat back to me what they have learned to instill a sense of understanding.

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

Confidence is key when teaching. If a student does not think they can achieve something, they stop trying. By connecting with the student on a personal level and sharing my own struggles and accomplishments, I hope to inspire them to also keep trying in hopes of overcoming their struggles.

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

When meeting a new student or beginning a new topic, I will see what they already know by asking them to read the question, prompt, etc., and respond what the correct response should be. As issues arise, I will make note of each one, and together, we will work through them one by one.

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

After spending a few sessions together, we will begin to get an understanding of one another. After getting a feel for the way a student works and thinks, we can use that to help improve on any skills that need attention.

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

No matter the age, when I am beginning with a new student, I will have them read to me. This will demonstrate to me any difficulties the student may have at any given reading level. When I see a problem, we will pause and read through it together. Once the student is pronouncing the word right, I will give synonyms and the definition to improve comprehension. They will then reread the segment, and we will continue on in the lesson.