What is your teaching philosophy?

My teaching philosophy is based upon assimilation and accommodation. I choose to meet students where they are in terms of content knowledge, and differentiate the delivery of the material in order to allow the student to better absorb the mathematical concepts. In order for students to be successful, teaching and learning should be student centered, with the teacher serving as both a facilitator and support.

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

During the first session, I allow the student to express their strengths and weakness, their likes, dislikes, and misconceptions of the subject, as well as determine what methods maximize their ability to learn the content.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

Taking more of a student-centered approach allows my students to become independent learners. It helps them remain engaged, while also building confidence.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

I help students stay motivated by pointing out the positives: what they currently do well, the progress they are making on content that they previously did not understand, and providing personal experiences.

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

I would change our approach to learning the concept, or revert to prior learning skills that will allow them to better understand the new skill or concept.

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

I help students analyze the context of each sentence, as well as make sure the student understands the vocabulary within the sentences.

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

I found that starting with their strengths helps us determine the best method needed to approach their weaknesses.

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

I engage students by putting the subject in terms that they understand.

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

Written and verbal practice, including the use of short assessments, allows me to ensure understanding of material.

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

I like to build confidence using a student's strengths.

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

I evaluate a student's needs using both pre-assessments and by discussing with the student their feelings about specific content.

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

I adjust my delivery according to the student's learning style.

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

It varies. It is based upon the content and the student's needs.