What is your teaching philosophy?

I want to help students find the passion in the subjects they are learning. If a student is passionate about a subject and enjoying the challenge of learning, great personal growth will follow.

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

I would get to know some basics about the student (hobbies, things they like) to be able to tailor my examples and teaching to incorporate topics that interest them.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

I like to give interesting real-world examples that tie into the subject material in order to motivate a student towards learning. In addition, learning games can be used as a reward to add an incentive.

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

I would take my time with the student, covering the pre-requisite material and/or taking different approaches at the concept in order to help a student gain not only knowledge of the skill, but proficiency as well.

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

I would create a "reading notebook" as I read along with the student, stopping at the end of each paragraph or section to take notes and talk about the events in the story so far.

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

I like to establish a relaxed, fun, and positive atmosphere in which optimal learning can occur.

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

I would show them examples relevant to their interests and encourage the student through each concept, taking the time that is necessary to master the concept.

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

I like to use tests, worksheets, and conversations on the core concepts of the material to have the student demonstrate their proficiency.

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

I like to start with the basic/core concepts of a subject, creating proficiency with those concepts, and then working on more difficult material. This way, the student doesn't feel thrust into a challenge that they can't face.

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

First, I talk to the student (and guardians, if available) to see where they are currently. I would test the student's proficiency at this current level, and adjust as necessary from the results.

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

I am always willing to try new teaching concepts, styles, and methods in order to meet a student's needs. If I feel that one method is not working as well as I wish, I will switch to a style that creates a better tutoring environment and fit.

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

I use the student's course material (textbooks, workbooks, etc.), assessments I have created, and notebooks for writing down notes and to solve questions. For specific examples, exercises, or illustrations, I will use whatever is available to me, ranging from paper to make flash cards to pencils/pens/crayons to teach arithmetic concepts.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

I can instruct the student to do some work outside of tutoring sessions, ranging from worksheets and homework-styled assignments to talking with the student about new things they've learned since we last met.