What is your teaching philosophy?

My philosophy is rather simple, but effective. I believe that students should not be spoon-fed information, but rather that they should be helped in discovering the knowledge on their own. Not only is this more interesting and exciting for them, it leads to a sense of 'ownership' of the lessons learned.

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

Find out 'where the student is' and where he should be.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

By suggesting short, related readings, films, and documentaries that address the subject.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

Encouragement and discussion of related topics.

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

I try to determine if there is an underlying cause, e.g. dyslexia.

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

The discovery method in which the student feels as if he had input in reaching the right answer.

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

Short quizzes, no more than 5 q's.