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

Tailoring my teaching to their learning style.

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

I would try to relate it to something they could use in the real-world. Everyone can get excited about something, the trick is to relate that material to what their interests are.

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

I would have them teach it back to me. If they can explain it to someone else, they understand it.

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

Practice. There is no substitute for practice.

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

Through open-ended discussion. We'll figure out their goals, then decide what they need to do to reach those goals.

What is your teaching philosophy?

I'm here to make sure you understand the concepts in the material. I want you to know the subject, not just pass a test.

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

Get to know their goals, needs, and learning style.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

I will teach the concepts, not the test. I want to show you how to think, not what to think.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

We'll build on strengths until you're confident in your abilities.

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

I would try explaining it a different way and/or relating it to real world examples.

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

Find subject matter they enjoy reading and start with that. From there, I have them practice reading and ask them questions about what they read. If that means we're talking about Batman instead of Shakespeare, so be it.

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

I find out what kind of learner they are and adjust my methods to suit them.

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

Pad and pencil to start and go from there. If they need videos, pictures, or anything else, I'll incorporate that as needed.