Alex

What is your teaching philosophy?

My teaching philosophy is that no two people learn in the same way. For this reason, I put a lot of time and effort into getting to know individuals and create individualized plans to help them achieve their goals. I am a very patient and compassionate person, and I will devote all the outside time necessary to ensure I am able to provide an individual with the best tutoring plan possible. With these individualized plans, not only do I take into account the style in which someone learns the best, but also their interests and personal motivations. I will also provide multiple perspectives on the topics students are learning. I have learned from experience that this often promotes deeper understanding of the topic and may help students learn the topics easier if their teacher/professor's perspective isn't one they easily comprehend.

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

In the first session I would like to get to know the student and their interests and introduce myself as well in order to create a comfortable environment. I would also find out what their goals are for tutoring along with any other personal goals they may have. I will work with the student and/or their parents to come up with ideas for creating the best plan of action possible and which areas we should focus on first.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

There are many ways I would help students become independent learners. I would also ask their insight on how well they think they are doing and in which ways they believe they can improve. I will also ask their opinions on how we should approach problems and offer any study skills and advice I have. I would increase the amount of independence I expect from the student on a gradual basis in order to help them develop the skills easily without becoming overwhelmed or feeling pressured.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

I would help a student stay motivated by incorporating their personal interests and goals into the lessons. Not every student is going to find the same topics interesting or relate to the topics. For this reason, I strongly believe that creatively associating the topics with their interests or discussing how the subject will help them achieve their goals to help foster motivation, even in the student's least favorite subjects.

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

I take the time to break down the skill or concept down into the smallest pieces possible. I then work with the student to approach each piece individually and work up to understanding/mastering the skill or concept as a whole. If the student becomes frustrated or overwhelmed due to their difficulty with it, I give them a break and work on stress management skills if they desire to learn them. I will patiently devote as much time as it takes the student to learn the skill or concept and will approach the skill/concept from multiple perspectives and learning styles until we find one that fits the student.

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

I will use practice tests whenever it is suitable. I will also switch roles with the student and ask them to teach me the material. If they are able to explain the material in their own words and answer my questions, it is a clear sign they understand the topic.

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

I would point out their strengths and improvements each session. It is easy to focus on the areas that you are struggling with, and that decreases confidence. By pointing out improvements and areas that the student is doing well in, they will feel more confident and approach the difficult areas with a more positive attitude.