What is your teaching philosophy?

I believe that nothing is beyond understanding. The key is to simply break it down into manageable parts, and then put it all back together again.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

By finding a subject or a part of a subject that interests a student, I would help them use it to focus in their studies. As long as a student has a reason to like a subject, or a drive to know more said subject, motivation will follow.

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

I would help them break it down into more manageable parts, and I would find a way to bring in a measure of fun/play that would help give them focus.

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

I would help them find something that they are a passionate about in their hobbies or daily life that pertains to the subject. If it's not as simple as that, then I would find another method of introducing a level of interest or fun that could help fuel their studies.

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

I would try to get them to discuss the material, listening to see whether they fully understand it and whether or not they have formed informed opinions on it.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

By helping to engender a sense of genuine passion for learning or more than just surface curiosity, the student often develops this independence all by themselves. It's like starting a campfire, once it's lit, it will burn as long as you keep adding fuel.