What is your teaching philosophy?

I believe in collaborative work and coming to an answer as a team. I instinctually give constructive criticism, and believe that students and tutors should give each other mutual respect. I don't see myself as an authority figure, but as a helping hand.

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

I would ask questions about the student's hobbies and interests to get to know the student as a person. After that, I'd ask what the student felt comfortable with as well as what they felt they were shaky on. From there, I'd give them a small assessment test to see where they were and come up with a plan based on the student's strengths and weaknesses.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

I would start off with making sure the student has a strong foundation. Make sure they understand the basic concepts first. From there, you can start working on things that are a little bit harder. Once you have a strong foundation, it's easier to move on to harder things and wean the student off support slowly but surely. Ask questions when the student comes up with an answer so that they understand why it is that they were right or wrong when answering a question.