What is your teaching philosophy?

No student is truly 'bad' at any subject; the subject just hasn't been explained in a way that has clicked with them yet.

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

In a first session, I would typically try and get to know what concepts or subjects the student is already confident in. I would then find out what areas the student seems to be struggling with and why. This first session should be about learning about the student and what their tutoring needs are.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

I would allow the student to work problems out on their own, and correct their own mistakes. Doing this forces students to really think through what they have learned and apply it on their own.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

By switching up the session with a mixture of problems. Following up a difficult question with one that is a bit easier in order to boost their confidence. Showing the student how much they actually know and encouraging them to continue to get better.

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

The first step when a student runs into a wall is to stop and look at the concept from a different angle. Nothing is accomplished by trying to beat it into their head. Instead, move on to another concept or take a small break. This will allow the students subconscious mind to mull the problem over. That way when you return to the difficult concept, both you and the student are ready to try again.

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

I find the best way to pull out the important information from a passage is to read it once and then go back a rereading it again, this time highlighting or underlining the portions you believe to be important. Then rereading those highlighted sections to obtain a better understanding of the reading.