What is your teaching philosophy?

I believe that the student and tutor can achieve the best results by working together to determine how the student learns.

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

I like to take the time to get to know the student. I think learning is easier when all parties involved are comfortable. I want to establish a space where the student feels safe asking questions. We'd also discuss the student's goals for our sessions.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

By asking a lot of questions! I like to give the student an idea of the types of questions they should be asking themselves when they encounter a new concept or are working through a problem on their own.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

I try to keep tutoring goal-oriented. Tutoring may not always be an enjoyable endeavor, but I like to help the student remember that they are working towards something they want.

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

I build a student’s confidence through practice and positive encouragement. I find students feel more comfortable as the material becomes more familiar.

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

I use a pencil and paper during sessions normally. I use a calculator depending on the subject and the student's ability. I also like to have the student's notes and textbook handy.

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

I like to start off by having the student tell me what they know about the concept. We then work through a few practice problems together. After that, I have the student work through a problem on their own, explaining their steps and reasoning once they're done.