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

During a first session, I would talk to the student about what their goals are now and where they want to be. Then, I would devise a rough study plan with them, taking into account how much work they can put in and what they want to focus on. Then, we would do some initial work so I can determine what they need to specifically work on and go from there.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

I will help the student assign themselves tasks so that they will be more motivated to complete them. I will also emphasize the progress that they have made on their own so that they can see how they've improved and can continue to do so.

What is your teaching philosophy?

I want my students to understand the answers they're filling in. In order to do this, I make sure they thoroughly comprehend the concepts I teach them by using different strategies and techniques for one subject or subtopic.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

I show my students how well they can do and how much they can improve when they try during the sessions so that they will stay motivated to do their homework and keep improving.

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

I break down the concepts in multiple ways, depending on what kind of learner the student is. I visually explain on the whiteboard and give multiple verbal explanations.

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

I help students learn the tricks that work for them. This could mean reading out loud in their heads, annotating, skimming, or a combination.

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

When I start working with a student, I try to get a sense of how they best learn (audio, visual, etc.) and then see what skills and techniques they are already utilizing that I can help strengthen and build off of.

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

I would help a student take smaller steps instead of getting stuck on a big picture. That way they will see how they can be successful and take measures to do so on their own.

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

I like having the student repeat back to me what I've taught them in their own words, without looking at any resources or notes. Additionally, I use a lot of practice questions to help make sure they understand how to approach the material in multiple ways.

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

I show my students how they can be successful. First, I teach them techniques and walk them through areas of struggle, then slowly help them be able to tackle the material on their own, with less and less of my guidance. Once they see that they can be successful without my help, they can gain more confidence in their own abilities.

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

I utilize practice tests, verbal communication, and general problem solving techniques to evaluate a student's needs. Often I will realize areas they need to work on by patterns of their mistakes or similarities in material they are misunderstanding.

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

I have several techniques and use the tutoring platform in many ways. Sometimes students need me to give them techniques to help tackle the problem, sometimes they need to drill the skill through practice problems, and sometimes they are unfamiliar with the material. I try to evaluate what stage they are at and adjust my tutoring to what will most help them.

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

I try to use as much prep material as I can. Practice tests are super helpful as well as their additional practice questions. I use the Varsity platform to demonstrate practice problems and areas of technique as well.