What is your teaching philosophy?

I enjoy teaching students who are motivated to seek not just the answers but to improve and figure out their way of learning. I am a tutor who wants to be on equal footing with my students since we can both learn from each other; after all, I am still finding answers, and even I am not perfect.

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

In the first session with my student, I will want to build some initial bond between us. I'll ask about common hobbies/interests we may have and we will get to know ourselves comfortably so that we can start off on friendly terms. However, I will also acknowledge that I am a tutor who will facilitate the student's learning and that there will be times that both of us have to do our job.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

I find different methods of teaching the student a particular subject, whether it is through direct teaching, visualizations, or having them explain to me the subject. Once the student has figured out their strengths, we delve further in hopes that the student is confident enough to learn themselves.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

I would share personal struggles I had while I was in their shoes, just to show them that I was not always the best student and that there were days I myself wasn't motivated. Getting on their level and bonding with them will form a more human relationship that can hopefully motivate them.

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

Go back to the basics of the skill/concept and really try to see how the pieces of the puzzle fit together. A particular question might ask for multiple steps; instead of jumping the gun, we can take a step back and figure out the big picture of the problem. Once the student feels comfortable, I would go over another question and have the student analyze it comfortably.

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

Walking through the problem and having a 20-80 participation relationship with the student works best when teaching. My job is to facilitate students through the subject; they are active learners who want to be able to grasp the problem instead of being dictated how it's done.

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

I would give them a real world example where the subject is used. Calculus is the mathematics of rates of change; physics, biological systems, engineering, even economics deal with changes all the time, whether it is drug transfer through the body, models that relate consumer utility to price of goods, or hydraulic jumps in open channels.

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

I would have the student switch roles with me and teach me the material as if I were their student. Being able to teach others is a great indicator of understanding the material.

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

Practicing with the student and giving them positive reinforcement when they're doing a great job will give students the boost they need.

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

I would either ask the student directly where they need assistance, or have them take a general assessment and figure it out from there.