What is your teaching philosophy?

I approach tutoring as a partnership—I work together with my students to craft an approach as unique as the student. After assessing each student's learning style, together we will construct a game-plan suitable to their needs.

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

This varies depending on tutoring subjects, but I generally begin by assessing the student's academic abilities in the subject in question (i.e. through sample test prep questions or organization challenges) and by assessing their learning style. I also like to start getting to know my students and their interests and passion outside of school. I try to find ways to incorporate those passions in my tutoring practice in order to enliven what they may perceive as "boring" material.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

Whether it is the prime purpose of the tutoring or not, I always incorporate study skills/organization into my tutoring program. It is important for students to learn how to best organize their time, thoughts and material in order to become independent learners.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

I like to bring students' other interests/passions into the material. For example: if I was working with a student that disliked writing but was a huge basketball fan, I would have them write a paper about their favorite team. By embedding something they love within something they struggle with, my students stay motivated, and perhaps even excited, about their work.

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

I like using alternative approaches with students who repeatedly struggle with a concept. Depending on their learning inclination, we would try creating visuals or mnemonic devices, draw diagrams, etc. Once I feel they have a firm grasp on it, I will ask them to teach the concept to me as if I were completely unfamiliar with it. I believe that one has not completely mastered a concept until they can teach it to someone else.

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

We will begin by developing highlighting/underlining strategies and writing summaries paragraph by paragraph. I will also have my students read passages and then paraphrase them/teach them to me. Being able to talk and teach something is a wonderful way to solidify understanding.