How can you help a student become an independent learner?

Being an independent learner means knowing how to study, research and determine important information, and which study skills work best for them.

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

Techniques used to help students understand materials, graphic organizers, highlighting, analogies, hands-on, and using pictures or videos to help understand concepts.

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

The best way to build a student's confidence in a subject is to show they have mastered the concepts. Good test scores or performance in school is the best way to show success. Also, working with the learner on how to answer questions.

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

Depending on the student's goals, it may be an initial assessment to see what they know and do not know. Also, by working with the student on the subject matter.

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

I look at what works and does not work, as well as feedback from the student to determine if they are having success.

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

Videos, graphics, textbooks, graphic organizers...anything to help the student to understand the subject.

What is your teaching philosophy?

Everyone can learn; adapting and meeting the needs of the learner is the most important.

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

In a typical first session, I determine the goals of the student, where they are currently, where they want to go, and what their learning style is.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

Motivating students can come in a lot of different forms, from e-mails and encouragement before tutoring to following up on testing success. During tutoring sessions, giving good, positive feedback helps.

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

Explain the concept, and show text, video, graphics, and if possible hands-on materials to explain. Also break the concept down and ensure the student is grasping each area, and the background information.

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

Reading comprehension can be a problem. Take things slowly and break it down. Use reading strategies to help students who struggle with reading comprehension.

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

Building confidence and trust. Students have to know you are looking out for their best interests and you want them to be successful.

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

Find out what they are interested in and then use that to make comparisons to their interests.