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

I like to set him/her up with success early on in the tutoring session.

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

I start by asking a student what his/her challenges are. Then, when I'm tutoring, I ask a student a series of leading questions so he/she can demonstrate his/her approach.

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

Depending on a student's personality, skill level and interest, I use examples I believe will resonate with him/her.

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

I use a white board and markers, a calculator if appropriate (especially if it is a matter of a student knowing the key strokes) and whatever math manipulatives I have available.

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

I engage in rapport-building conversation in order to learn about a student's interests and hobbies.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

A student's independence depends on how confident he/she feels. While I'm going through the guided practice, I ask a student a series of leading questions; so he/she are actively engaged in thinking about how to solve a problem.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

Success early on in the tutoring session helps motivate a student to continue working. Plus, I have found that students work more when they have good rapport with their teacher.

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

Difficulty learning a new skill or concept usually means that a student does not understand a basic skill or concept. So, it's important to find and address the gaps.

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

There are a variety of ways to address reading comprehension. First, I define technical vocabulary. Then I use an appropriate analogy and/or graphic.

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

I like to engage in rapport-building conversation before diving into the content.

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

Students who experience success early on, will be motivated to continue with the rest of the lesson, especially if they can explain how to solve a problem.

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

During the guided practice, I ask a student a series of leading questions; so he/she can explain how to solve a problem before attempting an exercise on their own.

What is your teaching philosophy?

I believe, with the right approach, a student will be motivated to learn from a teacher who is both passionate about what she's teaching and willing to get to know a student’s strengths, weaknesses and interests.