How would you help a student stay motivated?

By paying attention to what they're doing and reinforcing positive aspects of their studies and progress.

What is your teaching philosophy?

Anyone can learn if motivation is present.

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

Listen to the student to identify their goals and any challenges they may be having, as well as what they consider to be obstacles.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

there are some "tricks" to studying, so I make it a point to evaluate the student's study habits.

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

Helping the student view the skill or concept from different viewpoints is helpful. There is more than one way to skin a cat!

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

Reading out loud and making sure that the material is suited to the student's level are two things that come to mind.

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

Listen to the student and ask them to verbalize their goals, their concerns, and challenges. Look for some common interests.

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

Ask the student to list pros and cons about the subject. Look at it from different viewpoints. Talk with the student about how learning this concept will help her/him.

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

Review and summarize exercises as well as spot quizzes are good. Also building individual lessons from week to week.

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

It is important to review progress and give positive reinforcement, while avoiding being condescending or untruthful. Students, like anyone else, know where you're not being sincere.

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

This happens in the beginning sessions but should be on-going. The student will usually have an end date - an exam, for example. When there is a good rapport with the tutor, the student will feel OK about sharing what they need.

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

Every student is different. I follow their lead.

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

Visual aids, written materials, problems, music occasionally.