What is your teaching philosophy?

Treat every student fairly and respectfully, and create a positive and enjoyable ambience, which allows us to learn and to teach in a much easier and more fun method.

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

Introduce myself and tell him about my background. Then it would be his turn. After that I would go over the syllabus and answer questions. We would obviously start with the first chapter if we would have enough time left.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

For me it's about fun, because it makes the effort not that tough, and when the student sees what else he can do for example with a certain language, then he is willing to do more.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

He could call me anytime if he needs motivation. It's important; he feels that kind of support.

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

I would explain it to him with simple examples, maybe drawing if it's necessary. Drawing would maybe be necessary for math or grammar (time frames for tenses or conjugations, etc.).

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

My advice: read the news every day, watch movies with subtitles; be like a sponge.

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

Being myself; that means try to understand him and his background and be social and helpful, so he feels understood and integrated.

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

Showing him examples of my life experience, so he can see how important it can be.

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

Modern techniques, such as projectors, flipcharts, video, etc., or the classic ones if there is no modern material.

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

Praising him when he is doing well and pushing to new challenges. It is not important how many times you fall, it is important to get up and do it better next time. Being an optimist going through life makes it easier.

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

By asking where her/his problem is and what exactly she or he doesn't understand.

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

I adapt my tutoring to the student individually, as each is different. Some need more explanation using daily examples than others.

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

In person, a flipchart, and online, paper and pen. If needed, YouTube as well for further explanations.