Cassandra

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

The strategy I always use when first working with a student is taking time to get to know the student as a person. I think it's important to build a good relationship before getting down to work.

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

There is always some way to connect what we are learning to a real world application or student interest. I would also be sure to connect the subject's importance to the student's overall learning goals.

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

The use of questioning and checking for understanding throughout our session, not just at the end of the tutoring session, is the best indicator of student knowledge.

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

Motivation and giving positive praise and feedback when deserved. I also think it's important to review student's growth.

What is your teaching philosophy?

I believe in meeting a student where they are at and building their skills to close any gaps.

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

I think it's really important to get to know a student when you first start working together. I would want to know their likes, what motivates them, and what they want the goal of our tutoring sessions to be.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

I think that independence can be taught and encouraged in students. I would do this by allowing for opportunities for the student to take responsibility for their own learning.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

I use a lot of positive reinforcement and encouragement. I also think it's helpful to remind students of what we are working toward and what their personal goals are to help motivate them.

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

Practice, practice, practice! I would also use different teaching strategies and techniques to reteach the skill or concept.

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

Chunking the text into smaller sections has always been helpful for me when working on comprehension. If you can understand each section of the text, you can understand the whole text.

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

I do regular checks for understanding throughout the lesson or tutoring session to make sure the student is grasping the concepts while we are working on them.

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

Getting to know the student is the biggest way I can adapt my teaching strategies to meet the student's needs.

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

It really depends on the session and what we are working on. I like using real world examples and materials if the subject area allows for it.