What is your teaching philosophy?

My teaching philosophy is student centered. All students are unique, and there is no "one size fits all" approach. I believe it helps to foster critical thinking skills, facilitate the acquisition of lifelong learning skills, help students develop evidence-based clinical problem-solving strategies, and prepare students to function independently. Furthermore, my overall teaching philosophy is based on two principles: active student learning strongly influences student-learning outcomes; and assessment procedures strongly influence student acquisition of knowledge.

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

My first sessions will entail a very small introduction phase. This will allow both myself and the student to meet each other and give ourselves a sense of "knowing." I will allow the student shortly afterwards to express to me their interest with the material, and this will give me a very good idea of how much and how comfortable the student is with the material. I believe in a relaxed and open environment. Humor and charisma will help open the door to learning!

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

Self-discovery is having the opportunity to study things that are meaningful and relevant to one's life and interests. Developing a curriculum around student interests fosters intrinsic motivation and stimulates the passion to learn. One way to take learning in a direction relevant to student interest is to invite student dialogue about the lessons and units of study. Helping students to develop a deep love and respect for themselves, others, and their environment occurs through an open sharing of ideas and a judicious approach to discipline. When the voice of each student is heard, an environment evolves where students feel free to express themselves.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

My online teaching goes beyond the time we meet. I will communicate by email while we are offline. I will be truly invested and interested in your success as much as you are. I always have an "open door" policy! Having this type of approach show students that one cares, and this helps motivate and engage students very strongly.

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

We will always go back to the basics. There is no such thing as wrong, slow or bad. As I said before, there is no such thing as "one size fits all." We all have our approach, and with open communication we will find the best way possible to learn!

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

A positive attitude with a relaxed atmosphere will most certainly create a path of comfort and success.

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

We will always start with what we know and gauge our knowledge to material that is more complicated. This can help clarify things we may think we know and build a more solid foundation for the more difficult theories.

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

Creating a culture of feedback. I encourage students to be honest with me and to please tell me confidently what they feel has been a benefit or what is not helping them. I also encourage and expect feedback from the lesson by the student as we go through the session.

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

Feedback in the student's own words! We will always review and touch upon the material that presented as most challenging to the student.

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

Questions, questions questions. I will always ask the student in various forms how to answer a topic. I will also ask the student to tell me in their own words what the topic covered is. I will encourage the student to also ask me questions about the material.

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

Based on the student's questions and their answers.

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

I work with what the student provides. It's very important to use the same materials that they are using. I will also provide my own notes and resources to help them see the material in a different format.

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

I will read the questions, paragraph or material with the student and help dissect the section. This can give students a greater insight on how to interpret the material.