What is your teaching philosophy?

As a teacher I want all of my students to not just know the material, but to use the material in their lives as well. When I teach I want students to enjoy the lessons, and be interested in the material. I work to challenge each student and work to their learning level.

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

When I first meet with a student I want to know who they are, their interests, and what they like to do in their free time. I would then do some practice problems to help identify how a student learns, and what they may need to work on in the tutoring sessions.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

I want students to be able to learn on there own so I will never give them the answers. Instead I will ask higher level questions, and have them figure out the answer. This will allow them to succeed in their life to teach themselves new material.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

To help students stay motivated I find things that interest them and put that into the lesson. Making the lesson fun and challenging can keep students motivated to work harder and succeed.

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

Not all students learn the same. If a student is having difficulty learning a certain skill or concept I will try different ways to teach this concept.

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

Students that are having trouble reading can only get better by reading more. Doing guided reading to see where students are struggling and what they aren't picking up is also a good way to strengthen this skill.

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

Trusting and respecting the students has been a very successful approach to working with the student. When you show respect for a student you start a good relationship for a successful tutoring session.

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

I would find ways to relate it back to things that they are interested in, and make it relevant to their lives.

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

I would use different techniques such as assessments and questioning to see if a student really comprehends the material. Having a student talk about what they have learned and worked on will help to make sure they understand the information.

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

Giving positive reinforcement and working on what the student is good at can help build confidence. Then when they have to work on things that are harder they feel more comfortable and prepared.

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

When working with a student I will see what areas a student needs to work the most in. Evaluating what is most important to help other subjects is the best place to start.

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

Each student is different, and as a tutor you need to find different ways to meet those students needs. Seeing how a student likes to learn is important.

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

I like to use technology whenever possible to help liven up the tutoring session. I also use books or articles that are going to make the lessons more relevant.