What is your teaching philosophy?

I believe that learner-oriented teaching promotes learning that is both purposeful and enduring. As a tutor, it is my responsibility to know who my learners are, what kinds of knowledge and experience they bring to the sessions, and what they want to achieve so that I can tailor to fit their needs (and yet leave enough room to allow for unassisted success). By assessing where my learners are with respect to our mutual learning goals, I can provide the scaffolding they need to build connections between what they already know and the new understandings they seek to create.

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

Typically, I will ask them what their favorite subject is, what their least favorite is and why, and whether they are visual learners or can they read the information and understand it. I will also get to know that student outside of school, such as hobbies, interest, favorite things (movies, sport, etc.). I like to really try and create a bond and trust among us so that we have an open and comfortable environment. I will also answer any questions or concerns they may have for me.