What is your teaching philosophy?

Effective learning requires a methodology that allows students to interact with the material from all angles. My techniques are based upon brain processes - our memory is strategic and our learning process must be as well. Rephrasing concepts, pattern recognition, backsolving, and problem creation are some examples of techniques I will utilize in my sessions.

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

By understanding the needs of my student and their academic background - I would devise a strategic plan based on theory and practice, with an emphasis on understanding key concepts, testing student growth and recognizing areas for improvement.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

My main goal for active and independent study implementation is to teach students the fundamentals of breaking down study sessions by output received. By helping students strategically plan each session based off of the end goal (i.e., concept, practice questions, rephrasing, cheat sheet, etc.), they become confident in their abilities to create self-study plans.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

I like to focus on big picture goals; helping students think critically about how understanding this topic helps them on a larger scale can remove anxiety that impedes growth and learning.

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

Stepping back for a moment, rephrasing the challenge, and looking at it from a different angle is a proven technique that allows students to break down concepts.

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

I like to use a similar technique that I implement for motivation - big picture goals, focusing on their future ambitions a few years down the line and the benefits of invested time.

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

By building upon basic concepts that ultimately lead to more challenging skills, I use the strategic breakdown method and have students recognize what they have accomplished within each session.

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

By utilizing a design thinking approach, I empathize deeply with their current approach, academic background, learning style and goals. All four criteria are essential in assessing needs and defining potential strategies for success.