Dawn

What is your teaching philosophy?

When teaching one on one you are able to make the method fit the student. Learning is individual, and I enjoy being able to make the experience worthwhile for the student.

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

I would sit down with that student and their parents (if a minor or high school student) and find out what their goals are, how they think they learn and what their interest level in the subject is. Just because you need to know it for a test or a class doesn't mean you are interested. It is my job to make what you learn interesting so you actually learn it, not just memorize it.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

Teaching someone to learn is one of the most difficult things there is. One of the reasons for that is that it takes time to learn. Thus, the number one thing I will do is teach patience and to try a different way if it didn't work the first, second or third time. Finding the way you learn is the key to finding a way to learn.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

That is going to vary student by student. We would begin by setting goals. Goal setting starts at the beginning of the very first session. Each session is going to have a purpose and a goal, and as those are achieved there needs to be a reward. What those rewards are will be up to the student.

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

Change the way it is being taught or change the subject entirely. Giving a "brain break" and coming back to a concept later often helps ease frustration and enables the student to see things in a different light.

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

This depends upon the application of the comprehension. If you are attempting to understand what you are reading for a test versus if you are attempting to actually absorb the text. For one, you need to be able to apply text to typically multiple-choice answers, and this is done by understanding key words and phrases after skimming a paragraph or two. The other involves not just understanding the words written, but when, where and why they were written. Teaching the context of the writing often allows a student to understand what they are reading.

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

While textbooks are useful in organizing a subject and giving an objective view of it, I find that stepping outside of the textbook and giving real world examples allows a student to understand the subject best.

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

Finding the relationship of the subject to something they love is a challenge, but is possible. Showing them this relationship and helping them use their joy in one subject to tackle another is my job.

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

Double checking work from classes, giving sample tests and asking for writing samples are some ways; but often just discussing the topic with the student will give you all the information you need.

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

Allow them to succeed. Don't set challenges so high they cannot attain them. If they haven't taken Calculus yet don't expect them to be able to complete a Physics problem. Being excited about the subject and letting them know that they have done well allows for them to gain the confidence they will need.

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

By asking them. It seems simplistic, but often the student knows exactly what they need. Talking with them will allow you to see what it is.

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

By knowing how to teach in different methods. Some people need to hear things in a lecture, some need to read it and some need to see it. Some need all three or some combination thereof. It's my job to find that combination and supply it to the student.

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

That depends upon what subject I am working with. I will use textbooks, manuscripts and sample tests; but I also use movies, museums and interactive models. The needs of the student and the subject determine this.