What is your teaching philosophy?

Everyone has a unique talent. Mine is to connect the dots for and with the student so s/he can have their "AHA" moment!

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

Tell me what you want to learn? What is your interest? What is your goal? Let me show you how you can accomplish your goal step by step...

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

Every student receives a customized assignment as home work that s/he can accomplish on their own by the next session.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

Always highlight the positive: What was the most important thing you learned today?

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

Take a step back. Analyze the problem. Focus on solutions. Let's take the next step together!

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

Reading out loud. Recording sentences. Listen to the sentences. Understanding it a part at the time.

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

Establish a friendly atmosphere. Answer questions openly. Don't be afraid to say: "That's a very good question. I don't know. Let me find out and get back to you." We both learn from each other.

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

Find out what other interests they have, e.g. hobbies. Create an emotional connection with their area of interest while you are teaching your subject.

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

Tell me in your words what you understood and learned today. If you had to explain it to your friend, how would you explain it to her/him?

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

Focus on the positive and her/his accomplishment. Let the student formulate what they have learned so far.

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

Short exercises to verify what level she/he is at.

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

I adapt my communication style to my counterpart. Also I vary my methods of teaching, e.g. visual, to the student's learning style.

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

Many! For example: Photos, music, print material, and short movies all provide an opportunity to enhance learning.