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

It depends on the subject, but I like to be creative and use all sorts of materials to draw/write/graph etc.

What is your teaching philosophy?

I try to always put the students first to make sure that they are benefiting.

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

In a first session, I would typically start by chatting with the student to see what their thoughts are and how they need me. Then I would probably start with a bit of light work to get a feel for how the student learns, and then set up an action plan.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

I try to give the students the tools to know where to proceed from where they are. Usually that means helping them understand the key concepts underlying the questions they are answering. If they know how to ask the right questions, they'll know how to approach problems on their own.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

I would remind them of the bigger picture. The goal may not be to ace the test, but to get into college or get their dream job someday. In fact, setting up a goal sheet might be a great option.

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

I would try to see if applying the concept to real world examples would help them to better understand the issue. Sometimes concepts can be abstract, but examples can make them more concrete.

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

I would give them the same strategies I use. When I read, I continually ask myself questions to keep myself alert. I try to keep notes and mark passages/pages that are important so that I keep fully engaged with the material.

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

I find that keeping a positive attitude is the most important because it tends to rub off on the students. Otherwise, I would say I try to have students work out problems for themselves with only minimal guidance so they learn to work independently. I also always review everything learned in a session at the culmination of the session to remind the student of everything we covered.

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

I would try to relate it to something they do like. That way we can connect on a personal level as well.

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

After working through a concept, I would first test the student and then ask them not only to reiterate it but to pose a question on it

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

I would start on a very low level and build upwards so the student is taking very small steps at a time. Then I would go over it enough times until the student feels that he/she really knows the material.

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

I would first of all ask them about what they want to get out of tutoring. Then I would start to assess how best to be of assistance by giving them some material to work through.

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

Besides being attentive to their working style, I make sure to communicate with them and ask them if there is anything more I can do for them.