What is your teaching philosophy?

My teaching philosophy is that everyone has the potential to master any subject if the material can be conveyed in a manner which they can understand. Therefore, it is my job as a tutor to help ensure that any student can master any subject that they so desire.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

A student can't be independent until they feel confident in their learning abilities. By working with students and showing them techniques to help them master the basic material, we can then apply those techniques to more complex material, and give them the confidence to at least try initially on their own.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

Keep it fun and interesting! No one wants to be bogged down with difficult material. If a student is getting frustrated and lacking motivation, then it is important to take a step back and help them remember the progress they have made and what subjects they have enjoyed.

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

I am a visual learner, so often I will draw diagrams, create parallels, and/or simplify the jargon into a relatable concept. If we can get to a basic understanding using other themes, then we have a better shot of conceptualizing the difficult material.

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

I would try to get to know them, understand what they are interested in, and find out what subjects they like and which ones they loathe. I would also gauge where they are at in their curriculum and establish both short-term and long-term goals.

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

When I start with a student, I make sure to find a balance between what is difficult for them along with what is less challenging. By not overwhelming them, we can work on establishing confidence and good study skills with the subjects they already know.

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

I try to make both short and long-term goals with the student, and check in periodically to see if we are accomplishing those goals. This also allows for the opportunity to adjust to the student's needs and make our sessions more effective.

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

I continually adjust my technique (as is fit) until we find a method that best helps the student understand the material.