What is your teaching philosophy?

My teaching philosophy is that patience and practice will result in success. Every student learns and is motivated differently. I believe finding a cross section of motivation and learning style is what creates a successful learning environment.

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

My first session would include identifying the objectives of the student. Learning Spanish to study abroad? Need to pass an exam? Prepping for an upcoming course? After finding the objective I then identify the skill level of the student through current course work or a series of skill assessments. Once compete, we work together to create a learning plan and schedule.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

By also teaching them how create a learning plan and schedule. Study skills are a large component of succeeding as a student and professionally. I hope that my lesson plans will help develop motivations for succeeding academically and professionally.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

Tapping into personal motivations is a big part of ensuring a student continues to learn and retains the information or knowledge. Passing an exam may not be a motivation for everyone, however real life applications for personal gain do motivate one to maintain focus.

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

If a student were having difficult time learning a skill, I would ensure that my teaching is flexible and creative. I would ensure that both the student and me are maintaining our patience and exploring alternative methods for teaching the skill.

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

The best strategy, is being methodical with the initial meeting and setting up a game plan for success. Aligning motivations and goals ensures positive outcomes.

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

I would ensure a student understands the real life applications of the subject and that they understand potential fruits of their work. Not every subject seems particularly meaningful when looking at a subject test to test, however big picture concepts can provide motivation and meaning to any subject.

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

By establishing a schedule of goals and a game plan students will be prepared for assessments and assignments. In addition to lesson plans, maintaining diligent measurement and verification of skills ensures prolonged success and retention of critical information.