What is your teaching philosophy?

It's always crucial to meet students where they are. By listening to students, I can use their existing strengths to help them achieve their educational goals.

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

I would start by assessing the needs of the student. I always believe in meeting the students where they are, and by listening to what they know and want to work on, I can make the most out of each session.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

When teaching students how to solve problems or answer questions, I try to interfere as little as possible in their learning process. Instead of providing answers, I ask questions meant to guide students in their own discovery.

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

I ask a lot of questions to get a feel for the student's learning style, and then try to use what the student already knows to help them tackle whatever they want help with.

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

It's important to recognize and praise any achievements that students have. Often, students become discouraged in certain subjects because they feel inadequate, but if they can see themselves as successful, they will be more excited about the subject.

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

This depends on the material, but I would ask the student to answer a question or solve a problem and then explain the process that they took to achieve their answer.

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

I believe in the power of praise. When I recognize a student's achievements, they can see themselves as competent in a subject.

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

First I ask what they want help with, and how they think I can best guide them. I would also ask about previous tutoring and testing experience. Then I would have the student answer a few questions, and ask them about their thinking process.

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

I use a variety of tutoring methods to see what works best. For some students simply talking works well, while others are better with visual aids, and some need to do a lot of writing themselves. By alternating between talking, drawing diagrams and writing, I can determine how best to tutor a student.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

It's important to be open and honest about what you're going to do with a student - how many problems they'll answer, how much they'll read, etc. This keeps them focused and on track. I also praise every achievement - small or large - to maintain the student's confidence.

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

I would try approaching a problem with a different method. Often, visual aids help when talking alone doesn't work, and sometimes students have to write problems out for themselves.

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

I try not to use more materials than are necessary. I start with just paper and a pencil. If I want to share information with my student, I try to find a concise source. I look for practice problems that are adequately difficult and represent the test well.