What is your teaching philosophy?

My teaching philosophy is to never give up on anyone who is willing to learn and try again.

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

I would start off by asking the student what subject and section they are currently having issues with. Next I would ask them questions on the subject that may be necessary to the understanding and solving of the problems. once I believe they have the knowledge they need I would then work through an example with them. Next I ask them to work through some problems with me while I watch, and only give help once they’re stuck. My goal is to lead them to the next step, rather than just doing it for them.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

I am not a teacher, I am a tutor, and I lead students to the answer so they become use to doing work on their own. I then ask questions with answers that lead them to the next step.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

I would help a student stay motivated by finding out what their overall goals are, and help make clear the essentiality of what they are learning. I would defiantly use my own testimony about my personal struggles and how I made it through them even when I didn’t.

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

First I make sure the student has all the basic knowledge necessary for the concept. Then I would slowly work through multiple examples stopping to explain each step in detail and take questions. Then it is time for the student to work through an easy example that I haven’t.

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

For students with reading comprehension issues I usually give visual examples (ex: free body diagrams).

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

Starting off, I ask the student questions that require an understanding of necessary information. If their knowledge of the subject is sufficient then we move on to solving example problems. I usually do one or two examples myself while I explain each step I make, and next it's their turn.

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

It usually helps if I show my excitement for the topic. I often explain the real world applications of what I’m tutoring and mention its importance, if it’s not obvious.

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

The best way to prove understanding is through teaching. While they are solving examples (without my help) I like to ask them to explain what they are doing and why, as if I didn’t know the topic.

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

Once they have finished the examples, I like to give a timed practice test, which puts them in the most stressful environment I can personally create.

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

I can evaluate a student’s needs first by asking them their needs. Next the important questions I ask, along with watching them solve problems, gives me good insight into their needs.

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

I do so by creating example problems that target their weaknesses. I am very open minded, and will ask other tutors/professors that I know personally on techniques to help improve such weaknesses.

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

The main one is the internet, whether it’s a web page, a pdf, or YouTube. I also use my notes, and books from the targeted subject if I still have them available.