What is your teaching philosophy?

Life presents us with problems. In order to work through these problems, we need a special kind of tool kit. Sherlock Holmes is one of the great creations of literature. He is also an inspiration to anyone trying to solve a problem. Sherlock's creator, Arthur Conan Doyle, had a great understanding into the process of observation and deduction. In Doyle’s stories, Sherlock's good friend and chronicler John Watson is always keen on understanding how to sort through the clues to a mystery, and usually lends his hand at interpretation. Watson's quick conclusions are often erroneous and must be redirected by Sherlock Holmes. In one story, a Scandal in Bohemia, Holmes tells Watson “you see, but you do not observe.” To see is to take a brief snapshot. To observe is to watch with precision and to notice what is really going on. For example, when we are outside and see a bird fly by, are we just taking it for granted or are we really observing the bird? What is its color? How big is it? Where is it going? When we learn we are really trying to solve a problem, and while this process of learning can be fun, the problem still remains. If I’m learning how to construct an essay about the book The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, there are many small problems that need to be solved in order to get to the larger problem of finishing the essay. Over time, learners create a toolkit for themselves that they can access when trying to reason through or learn about any subject. It is the job of the educator to help a student create those tools of learning.

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

I like to assess where a student is coming from and what areas they would like to work on, then looking at some of their work.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

By learning to plan.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

By showing them their progress.

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

I try to break it down into different parts.

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

There are some great exercises that help with reading.

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

Listening skills are very important.

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

I would try to show the practical use.

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

There are always ways to test students.

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

By showing them the great skills they have acquired.

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

By careful questions and good listening.

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

By having a variety of tools that allow you to improvise.

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

Typical ones found with teachers. Pen, paper, a sense of humor.