What is your teaching philosophy?

Knowledge of the subject is important, but having a strategic approach to your tests and essays can guarantee your success. I can teach you the most effective strategies.

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

First I like to get to know the student - who they are in and out of the classroom. And, most importantly, I want to understand their academic strengths, weaknesses, and goals.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

Instead of giving students answers to questions, I give them the strategies that will lead to the correct answer: Give a student an answer and you feed him/her for a day. Teach a student strategies and you feed him for a lifetime. :)

How would you help a student stay motivated?

Simply by reminding them of their goals, and demonstrating how achievable their goals can be. Studying and test taking can be hard in the day-to-day grind, but it's important for students to remember where their results can take them.

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

I ask them to focus on big picture ideas and not to get lost in the facts and details of the passage. Readers get frustrated when they try to memorize a passage instead of just seeing it from a 30,000 foot level.

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

Practice, practice, practice.

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

I use slides and practice problems to demonstrate strategies and ideas; the tutoring session is interactive. After a tutoring session, I provide tip sheets and practice questions.