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

Get to know their personalities, learning style, level of knowledge and interest, and then dive into material in a way that is interesting and engaging.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

Focusing on the learning process as much as the specific factoids to be memorized, and by using motivational examples the student can relate to their daily life.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

Positive reinforcement of motivated behavior, as well as encouraging them to reflect on the value of earnest effort and how dedication and discipline benefits their life.

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

Look for the underlying concepts that are lacking, and focus on rebuilding that foundation before moving on.

What is your teaching philosophy?

My role as a teacher is to guide the student's thinking and reasoning, and to encourage and motivate them to increase their knowledge, question their assumptions, and expand their comprehension. Learning is fun, if you're doing it right.

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

Focus on the elements that are causing the underlying issue, take things slowly and carefully, and encourage them to be an 'active reader,' i.e., to read often and to think critically about what they are reading.

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

Finding common interests and values, and as best as possible, trying to understand their current level of knowledge, comprehension, and motivation. Sharing with them how the subject matter has made my life more interesting, exciting, and rewarding.

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

Using motivational examples to show them the value of the subject, and focusing on the root cause of their struggling in order to show them they can master the subject if they take it one step at a time.

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

Asking conceptual questions, as well as questions with varying specific elements grounded in the underlying principles of the problem. Assessing their creativity with the subject matter and listening to their reasoning.

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

Presenting them with achievable goals and challenges, as well as revisiting material they previously struggled with and have now mastered. Lots of positive reinforcement when they demonstrate interest and critical thinking.

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

Ask them questions about their interests and what they perceive to be their abilities and motivations, listen very carefully for what their answers are saying, and pay attention to their verbal and nonverbal communication throughout our interaction.

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

Focusing on what is working, trying alternative approaches when methods aren't working, and looking for the balance between diligent work and fun that motivates the student to be a self-starter.

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

Whiteboards and other visual tools, fun metaphors and motivational examples related to the student's interests, and games related to the subject matter.