What is your teaching philosophy?

I want my students to realize that they can succeed. It may seem overwhelming to them, but I want them to come to the point of mastering those subjects that seem impossible to them. I will work with them to find an approach that works for them.

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

Find out what they are struggling with and what seems to be their greatest obstacle, and then work to overcome that. I want them to begin to be comfortable with the subject they are struggling in.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

Teach them strategies that they can use to succeed on their own.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

Try and approach it from another perspective.

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

Try to figure out what is really going on. Are they not understanding the vocabulary, concepts, etc.? And go from there.

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

Encourage them frequently with what they are getting right. They are then more open to see how to improve in other areas.

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

Find something that they are succeeding in with that subject and encourage them to continue.

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

I would ask questions which would show me what the student is understanding. If they are not, I would begin to break it down into why. Vocabulary, question comprehension, etc.

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

Encourage them. Many times, especially in a subject they struggle in, they feel defeated. They need to see what they are doing correctly.

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

I would use a variety of methods to assess a student's needs. Questions, exercises, etc., to determine where they are.

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

I need to be flexible so that the student's needs are met. Once I determine a student's need, I can then change my methods to best meet that need.

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

A white board, books, exercises, as well as any materials they have as well.