What is your teaching philosophy?

I believe that every student learns at a different pace. Education must be differentiated in order for all students to achieve and I know that with my help, students who are struggling can catch up and get ahead in their classes.

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

The first thing I will do is assess prior knowledge. I need to know what the student knows before I can decide the areas that need the most focus.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

I will teach students study strategies, and time management skills and test taking strategies to help them take charge of their learning.

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

I would attempt to teach the concept in multiple ways, or create a mnemonic device for them to remember.

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

I first like to gauge how the student learns, whether it be visual, auditory or kinetic. Everyone learns differently.

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

I always look for knowledge checks and ask many questions. You can tell when a student is confused just by the look on their face.

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

I would let the student practice until they can explain the concept to me.

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

I look to see where they are struggling the most and tackle that area. I would also encourage the student to tell me what works and doesn't work.

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

I like to use white boards and calculators (math).

How would you help a student stay motivated?

I would give the student breaks when needed and much encouragement.

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

If a student is struggling with reading comprehension, I work through the passage with them and help them look for the context clues.

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

I would attempt to tie the subject to things they are interested in. If a student is interested in running a farm but doesn't want to learn math, I explain that there are many financial decisions that will need math in the future to run a farm.

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

I look to see where the student is struggling most. I encourage students to take charge of their own learning and use meta-cognitive practices so they can know what they know.