What is your teaching philosophy?

I strive to make learning fun, not a chore.

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

I would do a quick review, make sure they know the basics to start on the class, then go over how the process of the class will work and important things to focus on. That way all the big questions are out of the way at the beginning.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

I can show them how to access resources to answer any questions they may have. I also help them understand the process of problem solving, including the "why" and "how."

How would you help a student stay motivated?

Breaking down big projects into manageable chunks is a good way to relieve stress. Good organizational skills help keep students on schedule.

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

I would back it up to the beginning, starting with the basics needed to understand the more difficult concept. I'd then break down the issues that the student is having and focus on answering one question at a time before linking together the entire concept.

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

I would make sure that they take their time and really focus on what each word means. Take one sentence at a time, think about what it is trying to say, and then relate it back to the rest of the passage.

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

Scheduling and concept review are very important. Making sure they stay on schedule and can relate the new things they are learning back to things they have already learned.

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

Find a way to relate the subject back to a topic they are interested in.

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

Asking questions based off of what they were just learning, but altering a few key concepts. For example: "When X happens, Y happens. But what happens when A happens?"

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

Whenever they get a question right, make sure they are rewarded. Tell them they got it right and that they are doing a good job. Offer constructive criticism to wring answers and help them find the right answer instead of just telling it to them.

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

Make sure they are asking any questions they may have. Through the course of their work, watch them to see which concepts they have a firm grasp on and which areas could use improvement.

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

If a student already understands a concept very well, try to relate it back to a concept they may be struggling with. Find mnemonics that work for them.

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

I like to write things down and draw diagrams.