What is your teaching philosophy?

Although lecturing may be necessary to provide the basic foundations of knowledge, students learn best when they demonstrate critical thinking through active learning strategies. I believe students should be encouraged to think about the objectives of the assignment and how they will be evaluated. I provide comprehensive feedback and ensure that students are progressing towards the goals.

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

It is important that the first session of tutoring establish the current academic situation, create benchmarks and goals, and assess challenges. Typical questions I might ask: Why are you seeking tutoring? How do you think I can be helpful? What is your goal with this material?

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

I will work with you individually to create strategies for success that you can take with you into any academic situation. Together, we will practice these skills, so you will be very comfortable using them on your own when needed.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

Student motivation is the key to success. We will work together to create techniques to assess what you have learned so you know that you are learning more and more each time we meet.

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

The materials I use depend on the area of tutoring. For school subjects, I'll look at your textbook or handouts from class, or for standardized tests we might work from a workbook. We might also create flashcards together, or I might bring in outside reading.

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

I help students find the aspects of the subjects that will motivate them to succeed. What skills are they learning that will aid them in future work? What grades would help them feel confident in the material? We work together to focus on the positive results!

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

I work with students to build their confidence in a subject through establishing benchmarks, smaller goals, and a trajectory for success.

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

We work together to determine the overall goal and then break that goal into manageable pieces based on how many sessions per week and the overall amount of time. We create an organized plan of attack to succeed!