What is your teaching philosophy?

I believe that anyone has the ability to learn any subject, if they have the proper resources and are willing to try. Teaching is one of society's most valuable and important professions, as it encourages and elevates the next generation.

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

In my first session, I would get to know my student and understand why they felt they need a tutor to help them. I would make an effort to understand their learning style, as well as their strengths and weaknesses, as it pertains to the given subject. I would make a clear plan with them in terms of what I can do to help them, and be sure to encourage them to maintain a positive attitude.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

I do not believe in simply giving students the answers to questions, but giving them the tools to solve the problem themselves. I would ask them questions and be as interactive with them as possible to make sure that they understand the subject before moving forward. I would do my best to provide them with resources and tools to become more independent in their education.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

I believe that a positive attitude goes a long way. I have a deep passion for learning and for the subject that I tutor. I always strive to highlight the students successes and remain enthusiastic about the subject throughout the lesson.

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

I would go back to older material and see where their misunderstanding or difficulty began. Learning is based on understanding and building upon fundamental concepts, so I would go back to basics and help the student rebuild their understanding from there.

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

I would start by encouraging the students to slow down their reading, and I would go through passages with them and check for their understanding. I would share techniques that I have learned throughout my education for reading effectively, and help them build up to increasing their reading speed.

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

I always remember that each student learns differently, so when I start working with a student, I try to get to know their learning style to see how I can adjust my instruction to best fit their needs.

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

I strongly believe that enthusiasm is contagious. I always maintain a positive and enthusiastic attitude about the subject as I try to teach the student. Additionally, I always remember to highlight the students successes. I know that they are often discouraged when they seek out a tutor, so I utilize positive reinforcement while encouraging them to continue trying their best.

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

In order to make sure that a student understands the material, I would give the student a chance to solve a few problems on their own. After instructing the student on how to solve the problem, I would give them a similar problem to solve without my assistance to make sure that they truly understand.

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

I always maintain a positive attitude and make a point to highlight the student's successes, while still giving them the tools they need to improve.

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

In order to evaluate a student's needs, I start by simply talking to them about what they are struggling with because they often know themselves best. Additionally, I would take a look at their work, and perhaps any tests they may have in the subjects, to identify what is holding them back. Getting to know the student also allows me to evaluate their individual learning style.

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

Once I have evaluated the learning style of my student, I am able to make adjustments to my tutoring. For example, if I determine that a student is more of a visual learner, I would make sure to draw diagrams or write out examples that help them solve the problem. If they are an auditory learner, I would make a point of thoroughly explaining things step by step.

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

I take a more traditional method in my sessions by always teaching with a pencil and paper. Being a visual person myself, I like to draw things out so that I can explain them properly, and I believe it is valuable for students to write things out as well. I also incorporate diagrams and visuals into my tutoring when it is appropriate.