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

In the first session, students and I talk about what they perceive to be their strengths and where they would like to become stronger. Together, we craft a game plan that utilizes their intrinsic motivation and my strengths as a tutor.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

I help students become independent learners by asking many, many questions. Throughout this process I not only get to know the student and his or her learning process better, but also facilitate the student's ability to craft her own solutions to challenges.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

I am a people person. For four years I have helped motivate high school students achieve their goals, and my tested strategy is forming positive, supportive relationships with my students.

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

I advocate "chunking," or the breaking down of complex issues into smaller, manageable bits. Through scaffolding questions, modeling, and guiding practice, I help students master the small steps that can help them with the larger ones. Also, I use students' strengths to help them integrate new, challenging material into their understanding of older, more comfortable concepts.