What is your teaching philosophy?

I believe many students know more than they think they do. I listen carefully to the questions students ask and fill in the blanks.

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

I'll invite the student to share their current understanding and any fears and goals they have for the course. I would also layout a timeline for tests and assignment due dates to ensure I am helping the student prepare efficiently.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

Many questions lead to their own answers, if they're asked correctly. By helping the student develop skills to focus on the questions they want answers to, I will also be helping them learn to find their own answers.

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

In the case of a skill, I would break it into smaller steps. In the case of a concept, I would ensure understanding of the concepts 'around' it and then help the student go from the known to the unknown.

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

There are quality video and audio resources out there explaining many of the concepts I will be tutoring. There are also good text-to-speech programs available.

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

Starting discussion from the student's areas of interest, knowledge, and comfort is a good way to lead into the topics to be covered.

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

I break concepts into smaller parts and build many small successes into mastery.

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

The best way to learn is to teach, so having the student explain as if addressing another student (ideally, actually having them help another student) is an excellent means of assessing understanding.

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

Consistent feedback focusing on current strengths and guiding toward further successes is key.

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

Awareness of course requirements is critical. I can ensure a student masters the material, but they also need to pass the class.

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

Individual tutoring is the purest form of teaching in that it allows both parties to most fully connect and create a unique dynamic which melds their personal styles.

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

This will vary by student needs. The course syllabus, assignments, and study guides are good starting points, but my mind and that of the student are the most powerful and flexible tools available to us.