What is your teaching philosophy?

Learning should be fun and engaging, and applicable to life. It is important to find each student's best way of learning and apply it; there is more than one way to learn, and flexibility and creativity are key.

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

Get to know the student and find out what they enjoy and also what their goals are. I'd like to ease any concerns or worries that the student may have. Then we'll look at the specific material and decide the best approach.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

Be very communicative about the approach that works for the student, making notes for the student outlining steps and things to think about and watch for in the material.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

By not only looking toward the future, but looking at the past and what they've already accomplished as well. Also, by making learning as fun and effortless as possible, or even implementing a reward system.

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

Get creative by finding new approaches to thinking about and teaching the concept or skill. If I have trouble finding a new way, the internet and other teachers' experiences are a great resource!

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

By breaking the reading down into small pieces that are easier to understand and talking about and summarizing each piece in order to find the main idea and see how it all connects. Also, practice looking for key words and investigating with the student why they are key.

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

Find connections between the subject they do not care for and something that they do get excited about. Or try to find games or other activities for learning the subject to make the subject more engaging.

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

Ask questions and have the student write and talk about the subject to demonstrate their knowledge.

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

Break it down and take it step by step, emphasizing steps they've already completed and learned to show their accomplishments.

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

See what the student's concerns are and also take note as the sessions progress, paying attention to what the student struggles with.

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

See what works for them and what their interests are so they can be tied in to teaching, and always be flexible.

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

The materials the student has (books, workbook, any charts or worksheets given in class, etc.), whiteboard and marker or paper and pen/pencil, flashcards, and any various materials that may be needed for any games or activities planned for that session.

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

Find connections between the material and the student's life. Drills can be great for reinforcement. And always be patient, understanding, and flexible.