What is your teaching philosophy?

I believe in tailoring each lesson to the student. For me, making a personal connection to the student is very important. Everyone learns in a different way. If I can explain a difficult concept in a way that the student can connect with and retain, that would really make the lesson a successful one. I am results-oriented. Going into each tutoring session, my goal is to find out what knowledge must be learned and retained (for the class, or maybe an exam/quiz), and where is the student having trouble. Then, I work with the student through these difficult areas until he/she can fully understand the concept, retain it, and be able to repeat it on their own. I always have the student try to answer the question first, if he/she is having trouble, I try to give hints and guide them until they can arrive at the answer on their own. I believe this builds confidence, and also shows them that they will be able to do it on an exam or in class, when I am not there.

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

The first session is always the assessment as well as rapport building. I like to find out more about the student, what their favorite/least favorite subjects are, where they are excelling, as well as where they may be having some difficulty. In terms of rapport building, my personality is very friendly and non-judgmental. I try to motivate and encourage the student at every step. When the students are comfortable, they are more motivated in general and will find that learning new and difficult concepts can be enjoyable.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

As mentioned in another question, I always have the student try to answer the question first; if he/she is having trouble, I try to give hints and guide them until they can arrive at the answer on their own. I believe this builds confidence, and also shows them that they will be able to do it on an exam or in class, when I am not there.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

With an upbeat and positive personality, I try to keep the student engaged and motivated by asking questions and keeping an active and interesting dialogue. It's important to learn through recalling things that we enjoy or can connect to.

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

I will try to explain it in the simplest terms, and also in ways that makes it easier to understand for the student. I often use analogies or other memory tricks.

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

Reading comprehension can be better taught by breaking down the passage into pieces and finding the introduction, summary, and supporting arguments. Once broken down, a long passage seems much less intimidating and can be better understood.