What is your teaching philosophy?

My teaching philosophy is to meet each student where they are in each subject. That way we can work together to build confidence and skills in the most effective way for each individual.

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

In a typical first session I would try to get to know the student as an individual, what they feel their learning needs are, and how they learn best. We would then begin to work on the subject(s) they want help with, so that we can start building a foundation right away.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

By valuing each student's strengths and tailoring learning strategies to their strengths, I can help build their confidence. Helping a student recognize the strengths they already have and building on those will help them learn independently in the future.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

Motivation can be tough, especially if you're struggling with a subject. I would help students stay motivated by keeping our tutoring relationship and the ways we engage subject matter dynamic and diverse. There is never only one right approach, and it definitely helps to change things up.

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

I would find different ways of explaining the skill or concept to them. I would continually assess what they have understood, and build from there with both practice and varied explanations.

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

I try to build a good working relationship with them. I work to find out what they are interested in, what their strengths and learning style are, and what they are looking for. I also make sure to tell them that if the way I'm explaining something or working with them isn't clicking, that's okay - tell me and we'll work together to find the best method possible for them.

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

I would relate the subject to something that the student likes. If I'm using examples, my examples would relate to a topic or hobby that they enjoy. I also work to engage with students on a more relational level, so that even if the topic is boring, we can make it dynamic together.

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

I would give them more problems of a similar type and make sure that they can solve them independently. I would then have them explain to me how they answered the question. If they can teach it back to me in their own words, then I am fairly confident that they understand it.