What is your teaching philosophy?

My goal is to help students learn.

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

We will discuss their reason for wanting to learn. This way I can tailor their learning program. We will begin with some basic teaching at the student's level so they leave their first session already with a new perspective.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

I give small but challenging assignments so they learn that they are able to handle a lot more than they thought.

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

I find out why they are having this difficulty. We all have our weak areas, and I will reinforce that area.

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

I find the origin of the difficulty and reinforce it.

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

They will teach it back to me and I will make every mistake their explanations allow me to. This actually is a lot of fun, as well as a good way to gauge comprehension. It is also a great learning opportunity.

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

I show them how far they have come and what they are now able to do that they could not do before.

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

I ask questions, converse and listen.

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

I listen and pay attention to what works with them and what does not.

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

I use online materials. There are many sites devoted to all levels of learning, as well as grammar and conjugation "cheat" charts. I couple that with news sites, videos, etc., that French speakers use to bring the language to life.

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

I listen to their needs and goals; I do all I can to make the lessons interesting and relevant.

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

I have a habit of making a game out of many things. This helps a great deal.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

I vary my approach, show the student how they have built up their skills and find what they want to do with them (read news? watch movies? Read books? travel? emigrate?), and build on that.