What is your teaching philosophy?

Positive Feedback. You are there because they need help. This subject is a weak point for them, and they are struggling. It is easy to pick out their issues, which they are often painfully aware of already.

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

I would start by asking them what they like to do for fun to show that I am interested in them as people. Then, I would ask them what they are working on in the particular subject that I am tutoring them in. Then, I would start explaining the lesson that they are working on and ask questions to figure out which concepts they might not be grasping.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

I can figure out what the most effective learning style is for that student. Then, I can make suggestions for ways to study that best work for their learning style. Hopefully, this will make learning easier for them, and with my encouragement, they will be compelled to try it on their own.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

I would help a student stay motivated through positive feedback when they are doing well and encouragement when they aren't grasping a concept. I would make it clear that I know that they can do it.

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

I would identify where the lack of understanding occurs. Then, I would try a different tactic at explaining the concept. Sometimes going back to the basics and then moving forward step by step can be effective. At times, the student does not understand the underlying concepts.

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

I would help them to recognize when they do comprehend the reading and when they do not. To do this, I would ask questions about the text and see where they might not understand what the text means. It is also important to help students understand story structures in order to comprehend what is going on in the text.

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

Listening and asking questions is the key to success. The students feel important and not looked down upon. Also, you can learn a lot about who they are, what their learning style is and where they might be struggling.

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

I would make it fun by trying to relate it to their interests. Learning games are good.

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

To make sure that a student understands the material, I would ask them to explain the material to me. Then, I would ask them to apply it. I can then see if they do not understand the concept or if they are just having issues putting it to work.

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

I give them positive feedback for the parts that they understand in the subject and telling them that if they can understand that part, then they can learn the parts that they are struggling with.

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

To evaluate a student's needs, it is important to be comprehensive. I would take a look at their homework, ask them to do exercises with me, ask them to explain concepts and ask them what they feel they are struggling with.

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

I try different approaches to teaching them a lesson that they are struggling with. When I am successful, I know which approach works for them. This will help me to determine what type of learner they are. Sometimes, explaining until you are blue in the face does not get the point through to the student. Then, I need to make the lesson visual or a game or find some other way to teach them.

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

I would use the student's textbook, assignments that they are working on, exercises on the subject that I found online (or outside of their textbook), videos (if relevant), pen and paper for taking notes, and a computer with Internet.