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

I like to get to know my students. I want to know hobbies and interest. I want to know their weaknesses and strengths. If I know who my student is, I believe I will know how to teach him or her effectively.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

Make a practice test of the concepts we went over. Have them write down step by step instructions. I give my students hands-on instructions to ensure independence.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

Compliments and praise! Incentives!

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

I keep breaking it down until my student gets the idea. If I have to, I will teach fundamentals until confidence is restored in that area.

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

It depends on their learning style. Each student learns differently. Some students are visual learners. For that student, I will tell them to draw a picture, or make a mental note in their mind. For tactile learners, I suggest writing down a summary of each paragraph. For aural learners, read aloud.

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

Patience and understanding. State why you understand. I share stories of times I was stressed for a test and what I did to overcome.

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

I find my student's interest. Then I find a way to implement the interest into the subject.

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

Ask the student to try the problem by his or herself. Quiz him or her.

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

Compliments and praise! Incentives! Understanding how they feel and express it.

What is your teaching philosophy?

I try to make a stress-free zone and make my student feel as comfortable as possible. I try to be relatable. I try to make everything so simple a toddler can understand.

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

I look at old test scores. I ask what is the hardest subject they encountered. I will go to the teacher. I ask for a syllabus.

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

I use dry erase boards. I have used props. I always use the usual pencils, graph paper, calculator, paper, etc.

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

I use topics that my student is comfortable and confident in. For example, if a student knows music, I relate the material with music.