What is your teaching philosophy?

Always try to figure out what the underlying problem is. Usually when someone is having trouble, it's more than just "not getting it," because something is not working and we need to find out what that something is. Studying more and more may not always be the answer; finding out the right way to study works best for me.

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

During the first session, I would like to first know more about the student and get to know them on a personal level. Once we develop that trust, an open communication can be established. With open communication, we can really dig deep and find out what is going on and what are the student's strengths, and what are the weaknesses that we can work on together.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

It takes time, especially in a student that may not be necessarily used to it. I would first help the student in any way I can to understand whatever concepts may seem confusing. Once the confidence starts to build, motivation comes next, and then independence. But it all starts with developing confidence, and that takes time.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

Personally, the best way to keep me motivated is results. I truly feel that everyone will be motivated when they find out what they are capable of. Doing something that seemed daunting at first, but then changing a strategy and then excelling at the subject is motivating. Seeing a change in grades is motivating. The feeling of succeeding is hard to shake, and no one wants to lose it.

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

I would ask questions, lots of questions. There is a reason why it is difficult, and it could be any reason. Whatever that reason is, we must tackle it together. If the student does not know, then we explore. But I truly feel that the underlying problem must be addressed - why is this difficult?

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

Encouraging the student to read more is always the first step, but it is easier said than done. Growing up, my problem was that I always tried to read very quickly because I did not particularly enjoy it. The problem there was that my reading comprehension was not up to the standard that I would have liked. I first had to find out what the issue was, and why I was not understanding the reading as well as I should have. After a little reflection, I realized it was because I was reading too quickly. We must find out why the student is having trouble with reading comprehension first, then tackle it from there.