What is your teaching philosophy?

I believe each student learns differently and should have access to information in many different teaching styles to help tailor to their individual needs.

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

In a first session with a student, I would typically ask what it is about a subject that they are having trouble with, along with how they have been preparing for it. I would then help tailor a program specific to their learning style to help find a way that is easiest for them by refining their study habits.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

Finding out how each individual learns is the best way to help someone become an individual learner, in my opinion. By discovering this aspect and working to improve it allows the student to learn in a way that works best for them, and eventually allows them to work through difficulties in subjects independently.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

I would help a student stay motivated by having a positive attitude and encouraging them throughout the process of learning. If a specific topic seemed too daunting, I would help explain it in a different way, typically an analogy related to something they're familiar with so the topic would make more sense to them. If this doesn't work, I would move to a new area that they are more comfortable with to improve morale before returning to the more difficult area.

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

If a student had difficulty learning a concept, I would explain it in a different way. If verbal instruction wasn't working, I would use visual aids and demonstrations so they could view the topic in a different light. Also, I would employ the use of analogies relating to things they are already familiar with.

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

If a student was having trouble with reading comprehension, I would help them dissect the area of difficulty by looking for key words in order to grasp an understanding for what the text was trying to state.

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

Strategies I have found to be most successful when starting to work with a student is to first and foremost figure out their learning style. From there, it is much easier to help them create study habits to help them succeed in the future as well as learn how to conquer immediate tasks.

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

I believe excitement can be contagious and by being excited about the subject myself, each student in turn will start to have a more positive outlook towards that same subject. I also believe positive reinforcement and reassurance are key factors in engaging students in a subject.

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

After explaining the material in a way that makes sense to the student, I would ask the student to explain it back to me step-by-step to ensure that the proper comprehension was gained.

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

I believe a positive attitude and reassurance are important for building confidence, in all aspects of life, especially when learning something new. A student should never be made to feel inadequate or lowly just because they didn't grasp a concept right away.

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

I evaluate a student's needs based on their level of progress in the course. If a student is having difficulty but not studying until the night before the test, a study plan would need to be implemented. Conversely, if a student studied rigorously and was still receiving lower than desired scores, a new approach to studying may be needed. These are just a few examples of the extremes in evaluating needs as there are many varieties in between.

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

Each individual has a different learning style, and finding the correct path is the best way for me, as a tutor, to understand how to help each student individually. Teaching in a variety of styles and finding the correct fit is the best way to do this.

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

I typically use the assigned textbook as well as the internet as good resources for learning. If the student is a hands-on learner then I would also employ the use of tangible materials.