What is your teaching philosophy?

I subscribe to Einstein's quote: "If you can't explain something simply, you don't understand it well enough." I like to draw on every day examples and pop culture references to illustrate otherwise complicated material.

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

I like to immediately identify each student's learning style, strengths, and concerns. Understanding HOW a student learns goes a long way in communicating WHAT needs to be learned.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

Students need to understand HOW you arrived at a conclusion or a particular train of thought; that way, the next time they're presented with a similar scenario, they can employ their own line of reasoning.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

Focusing on the positive (i.e., previous accomplishments, progress) is essential. Knowing that success IS possible, makes achieving each new milestone that much easier.

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

I would adjust my communications strategy to employ different analogies or examples that are of particular relevance to that specific student (e.g., using real scenarios/illustrations from their daily life).

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

First, I focus on what information the student DID comprehend. After I identify patterns in successful comprehension (e.g., maybe "action parts" stick out more), I find ways to tie those patterns to other elements that aren't being retained as well.

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

Quickly establishing a friendly rapport is crucial so that the student feels comfortable to speak freely about his/her questions, problems, or concerns.

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

I would identify subjects that the student DOES like, and analyze the rationale behind that relationship. I would then use that insight to foster more positive feelings about the less-liked subject.

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

The student should be able to successfully "teach" the material we've covered. I'm a firm believer in encouraging students to explain material in their own words to make sure each lesson "sticks."

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

I like to compliment unique questions, angles, or approaches to material - it increases confidence in the student's ability to self-generate important, worthy ideas.

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

Although context-dependent, I generally base my initial evaluation on the student's opening remarks regarding the subject material. Building on this foundation, I ask a number of questions regarding likes/dislikes and strengths/weaknesses.

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

I try to mimic the same communication style that the student uses (e.g., if humor is preferred, I illustrate examples with jokes). I adjust my pace based on the student's ability to successfully comprehend earlier material.

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

I customize my approach to the preferred learning style of each student (i.e., visual, explanatory, etc.). However, I support that idea that "less is more" and try to keep my lessons simple and strong.