What is your teaching philosophy?

I believe that each student is a unique and can be motivated by various styles of learning. I strive to promote a love of learning through curiosity by providing a safe environment. I like to help others achieve their goals by guiding them through problem solving strategies, which build confidence and independent learning.

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

A first session would consist of getting to know the student's goals. To set up a goal statement and an approach to learning.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

As a facilitator, I would make learning fun, and promote independent thinking by first guiding, then partially guiding, and then allowing the student to try independently.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

I would encourage the student and praise hard work while reminding them that all their hard work will pay off.

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

I would break down the problem into smaller steps, known as 'task analysis.' I would first demonstrate, then guide the student through the skill, and then allow them to try independently when ready.

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

I would ask the student to explain why they are reading a particular text, then restate sentences that they do not understand and use various strategies to aid, such as: Venn diagrams, summarizing, and cause and effect.

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

Thinking out loud, guided practice, and helping the student practice these strategies and others until they are ready to try independently.

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

I would try to find out what their personal interests are and show how learning the material could help them advance in their future. I would also try to make the lessons fun.

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

I would model, then guide, and then assess by seeing if they are able to complete the work independently.

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

I would give praise to correct answers and tell them they are hard workers.

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

I would ask them what they are having trouble with and then have them practice a problem and watch where they are having difficulties.

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

I use the multiple intelligences approach, as I believe some students have more auditory skills, whereas others prefer visual representation.

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

I use my voice and the keyboard and graphing paper. I also draw a lot and sometimes use pictures.