What is your teaching philosophy?

I truly believe that anyone can be taught anything. The best way to teach is the "I do, we do, you do" method. This means that if learning something new, I will show you how to solve/answer it. After, you and I both work on something similar. Lastly, you show me how to solve/answer the problem. Between each of the steps, there will be time for discussion.

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

Prior to the first session, I would like to call my student to make introductions and to ask clarifying questions, e.g. what textbook are you using and where do you think you can improve? During the session, I would like to see him/her solve problems so I can begin my assessment of his/her skills.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

To become an independent learner, you have to be willing to be brutally honest with yourself by self-assessing where you can improve and to better these areas. I would like to teach my students how to be independent thinkers and to help them develop their own style of learning.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

Most students understand that doing well in school has long-term benefits. These benefits, however, seem to be very far in the distant future. I would like to minimize the gap between effort and reward by establishing routines of short-term feedback to keep my students encouraged.

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

Because this situation is dependent upon the student, it is difficult for me to give a one-answer fits all reply. However, I would want him/her to solve problems in my presence and be open to asking them questions to learn more about their thinking processes.

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

Short answer: read appropriate material more. Long answer: diagnose reading levels to assign appropriate readings. Learn how they read. Give them ideas on how to improve. Ask them for summaries and synthesis of assigned work.

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

Ask a lot of questions. Do not impose your own style onto them. Instead, provide options and best-practices to help improve their learning.

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

Show them that this subject is not something to be feared by continuously distilling materials' difficulty to within a student's grasp.

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

I would ask a student to "teach" me something. If she can teach it to me, then she knows it.

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

I do not build confidence. Confidence is a function of success rate, which is derived from perfect practice and volume of attempts. In short, the student builds his/her own confidence. I am there to ensure the practice is done perfectly.

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

By asking questions and assessing their problem solving methods.

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

I take a client-first approach to my professional career and my tutoring. I ask questions and for feedback. I understand that students do not always voice their concerns unless asked.

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

Pen and paper. Review books. I shy away from screens as they can break concentration.