What is your teaching philosophy?

I believe the fundamental goal of teaching is to foster a love for learning. Learning takes place in many different circumstances and contexts. Humans have multiple learning styles: some learn best in lecture atmospheres, some are motivated by discussion, and others absorb best when they read and reflect on what they have read. The classroom setting can encourage or inhibit learning depending on the dominant learning style of each student. It is my goal as a tutor to instill learning and study strategies into my students to help them succeed in any classroom.

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

Within my first session I would like to spend a small amount of time learning about the student and their individual interests, what school they attend, and how they feel about school and the subject at hand.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

I can help a student become an independent learner by finding organizational and study skills that work best for that child.

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

I would seek out a different way of teaching this method to the student. At times our approach can be incorrect for that particular student. A lot of times bringing in manipulatives and working through the problem with hands on materials can help students understand a challenging concept.

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

I would provide a copy of the text the student can write on and I would promote annotating the text.

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

I would do my best to make any connection I can between the subject and that student's personal life.

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

I ask a lot of questions throughout any session with a student. Questions provide a quick formative assessment. I also like to have students share their thinking as they work through a problem so I can follow their line of thought.

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

A lot of positive reinforcement.