What is your teaching philosophy?

When I teach a student, first I listen to their needs and concerns, and then I provide a positive, even fun, environment to meet those. It is my philosophy that teaching is a two-way street where the teacher needs to respect, listen to, and learn from the student, just as the student needs to respect, listen to and learn from the teacher.

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

On a first session, I would ask the student what their goals are, not just in the specific subject but on a bigger scale, so as we work on the difficult part they can be motivated by the big goal. I would take a moment to discuss my history and how I can help them toward their goal. Then we would discuss the tools they have available to them such as the textbook, notes, and the teacher's office hours. We would then roll up our sleeves and attempt a math question together!

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

Helping the student become an independent learner is my ultimate goal! I work toward that by showing them the tools they have available to them and providing them good hints while they solve the questions. A clever question from a tutor can be the key with which the student can unlock the problem on their own! Once you have heard the clever questions enough, that little voice in your head can change from "This is hard, I'm so stuck >:-/" into "What if...?"

How would you help a student stay motivated?

I love math and stats! I bring a good attitude and share it with my students. If their goal is to pass this math class so they never have to take another that's cool with me. I will remind them of the ultimate degree they are working toward, and how once they pass this math hurdle they will be done!

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

If a student has difficulty I will break the skill or concept into smaller easier pieces; I will use examples or diagrams they can relate to, then we will touch on it briefly every time we meet so they get regular practice but will not be overwhelmed with it.

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

To help with reading comprehension we can read out loud together.

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

The strategies I have found most successful are first- listening to the student, second- having clear goals, and third- teaching the student techniques, not telling answers.

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

I get students excited about a dreaded subject by relating it to examples they see every day in their life and discussing how mastering this dreaded subject will help them in their long term life goals!

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

To be sure the student understands the material I would switch spots with them. I would come up with a similar question and ask them to tutor me through the steps.

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

I build a student's confidence by starting with simple questions, and review past concepts that were a challenge when we first began meeting together.

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

I evaluate a student's needs by asking them about their goals at our initial meetings and asking if we can review the work their teacher has given them feedback on during subsequent meetings.

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

I get to know my students. Are you a visual learner? Do you appreciate examples? Are you organized? As I learn things like this about you, I can use your techniques in our tutoring sessions.

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

I am very flexible on what materials I use when tutoring. I want to use the tools that are available to my students.