What is your teaching philosophy?

The more effort we put forth in cultivating our minds, the more our perceptions of the world broaden and deepen. We develop a keener sense of self, while also developing compassion and understanding for each other and the environment. A lifelong pursuit of knowledge empowers us to become the best versions of ourselves, and I believe that the role of a mentor is a paramount to having success in this pursuit. An ideal mentor offers guidance and insight while also providing a supportive platform for students to follow their own curiosities and carry out their own investigations. Ultimately, the mentor is capable and confident with their knowledge reserve, but also receptive to learning from the student so that they may both work together to elevate the student's opportunities for success.

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

During a first session, it is important to establish a supportive and encouraging learning environment. I will spend time talking with the student to gain more insight into her or his background and interests, as well as providing some of my own. This allows me to better determine the student's learning style and preferences. We will then broadly examine the subject that the student is requesting help with to illuminate trouble areas, as well as areas that the student feels confident in. Once this overview is established, we will work together to dissect concepts and increase our understanding of individual parts in the system. Finally, we will develop a plan for future tutoring sessions so that we can ultimately synthesize concepts with an increased understanding and comprehension.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

It is crucial for a tutor/mentor to establish a learning environment that is both encouraging and challenging, but not judgmental. The mentor should also work with the student to develop a better understanding of foundational concepts. When students are in a supportive environment and have an inherent understanding of the basis of a subject, they will feel more empowered to act on their curiosities and deepen their knowledge, thus taking control of their learning and growing into independent thinkers.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

It is natural for motivation to manifest itself cyclically. There are some moments where we feel especially motivated and other moments where we feel less so. However, even in moments of weakened motivation, there is always something to be learned. I try to help students reconnect to their joy in learning to overcome these moments of reduced motivation. We will work together to remove a particular concept from its formal context and examine it through a new and creative lens, thus increasing curiosity and investment, and ultimately, increasing motivation.

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

If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, it can often lead to frustration and decreased motivation. In order to avoid these experiences that hinder a student's success, we will work together to examine the topic through a new lens. Students have a spectrum of different learning styles, and it is often a matter of discovering which style is a best fit. By connecting a skill or concept to a different discipline, perhaps music or an outdoor activity, we can redefine it and take ownership of it to then deepen our understanding and comprehension.