What is your teaching philosophy?

I have encountered many varied teaching strategies that may be of some benefit. With so much to choose from it is important for the educator to pick what they feel will work best for them. The strategies that I know to work in the classroom are from Marvin Marshall. Marshall’s strategies include promoting responsibility rather than obedience, relying on internal motivation rather than external motivation, and proactive rather than reactive learners. He also stresses non-coercion rather than coerciveness, empowering rather than overpowering the student, being positive rather than negative, reflective rather than impulsive, establishing positivity, choice, and reflection as life-long practices. I have found these practices are very successful when implemented. Also teaching is a customer service position and should be approached that way by educators. Therefore it is my responsibility to ensure students receive the best education that I can provide.

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

I would ask them what their goals were and what they were looking to accomplish during the session. Then I would work to meet that expectation.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

By teaching problem solving skills and how to think overall.