What is your teaching philosophy?

My teaching philosophy focuses on using questions to gain insight into exactly what a student needs to work on, and what strengths they can leverage to reach their goals. Questions continue during lessons in the form of Socratic dialogue to suggest approaches to solving problems and digesting material, as well as build critical thinking skills. However, I always emphasize adapting my teaching style to whatever works best for the student, and builds on the approaches and mental models they are most comfortable with.

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

First sessions with a student are dedicated to discussing goals and examining both formal and informal assessments. I also begin drilling and examining subject material in different ways to get a sense of the student's needs and skills. We then set measurable, achievable goals to work through in later sessions, and use the remaining time to start practicing!

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

My whole approach to tutoring is to walk students through the process of problem-solving. Socratic questioning builds students' mental muscles to approach academic material and reinforces confidence, since they get the experience of solving problems semi-independently as I facilitate. I also give tips on budgeting time for study and organizing a productive study space.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

Setting short and intermediate goals is key to staying motivated. Tracking progress, even if it seems small, helps show students their hard work is paying off.