What is your teaching philosophy?

Learning-style specific, meaning-oriented, fun.

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

We'll read aloud for a bit and you can tell me about yourself. Learning works best when it's tailored to subjects and styles you like best.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

The best practice is making sure the student is using his or her preferred styles of learning. Also, skills like motivation, discipline, determining life goals, and putting things in perspective help, too.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

We'd discuss life goals and wishes, then tailor learning toward those ends. Interests and pastimes are super important motivators for learning.

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

We'd go slowly through it together, and then slowly explicate a sentence word-by-word if need be. Sentences are exciting, dictionaries are important, and breaking down sentences into separate parts helps clarify meaning.

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

SQ3R Reading Method, as learned at Miami University's Office of Learning Assistance and Study Skills classes. Survey, Question, Read, Write, Review.

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

Being friendly, approachable, nonjudgmental, and making sure the student is relaxed and comfortable. I really like people so this goes with the territory.

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

We'd apply the subject to the student's interests in the "outside world." Making a topic meaningful is essential to learning.

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

We'd talk about the topic quite a bit, then I'd ask him/her to write about it. During essay work, the student will provide evidence (quotes, themes, author's biographical information, context of work) to support his/her ideas.

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

A nonjudgmental, friendly, accepting, accommodating attitude. People who feel accepted for who they are bloom. That's where learning starts.