What is your teaching philosophy?

I believe that spaced repetition and the application of knowledge through problem solving is the key to understanding and retaining information.

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

During the first session I would spend the first one-third to one-half going over the learning objectives and syllabus, identifying potential weak areas, and discussing how the student learns best. I would utilize the second part of the session to begin going over material as not to waste the student’s time or money.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

During tutoring sessions I will help the students develop a systematic approach to learning and understanding. By utilizing the student's unique way of learning and practicing the technique that works best for them, they will eventually be able to accomplish the task without the assistance of a tutor.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

Students lose motivation when they are overwhelmed, underwhelmed, or not comprehending what is being taught. By working as a team with the student I will make sure we are working at the right pace and with the right amount of material.

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

I would attempt to teach them the same material in a different way. For example, if I am tutoring a student in anatomy and they are not grasping the information using solely vocabulary or a textbook, I may help them understand the story by drawing the anatomy out with them, or even drawing on myself so they can understand it functionally.

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

I will utilize the "SQ3R" strategy of surveying the text, formulating questions, reading the text, reciting what was just read, and reviewing the text at the end.

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

I have found that taking the first session to assess goals, challenges, and what works and doesn't work for the student helps establish a cohesive learning relationship moving forward.

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

I have found that students become bored or engaged when they are either not understanding the material or are not being challenged enough. By establishing open lines of feedback and a flexible approach to learning I can help the student become inspired and interested in the subject at hand.

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

I rely on a system of applied knowledge in order to assess the students understanding. If they are able to work through and apply the material then I know they understand.