What is your teaching philosophy?

My teaching philosophy is breaking concepts into steps and working them out. Practice makes perfect.

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

Talk about the problems that the student is having, and how we can create a plan together. Begin going through concepts.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

Instead of feeding answers and doing problems for students, I would encourage the student to solve problems on their own first. This helps students learn on their own.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

Point out the student's strengths and motivate them to improve on their weaknesses. Eventually, they will see progress, and that progress will provide motivation.

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

Approach the subject from a different angle. Try multiple methods in helping the student learn a concept. Be patient.

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

Encourage them to read books that they would enjoy, but that are also above their reading level so they get a challenge. We'll also discuss their understanding of different texts.

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

Breaking down what problems the student is having first, and then working to solve those problems.

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

Relate the subject to something that they do get excited about. Everything can be turned into a metaphor!

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

Quick-fire questions to make sure that the student has understood key topics.

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

Encouragement is the best way to build confidence. Making mistakes is great, because they help you learn and grow.

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

I evaluate a student's needs based on what they hope to get out of our session as well as what I feel like I can offer the student.

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

I adapt my tutoring to the student's needs by using their current or modifying their current study habits. We want to make it as comfortable as possible.

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

Textbooks, homework worksheets, notes, and online study websites.