What is your teaching philosophy?

I believe that every student can succeed. It is just a matter of finding the right teaching method, uniquely suited to the student’s mindset. I also believe that positive thinking goes a long way in helping sharpen focus, and interest in subjects that students are less fond of.

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

I will first get to know the student, see what study habits are already in place, and assess how much the student understands about the topic.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

Creating good study habits that the student can adapt to any subject, will allow the student to have more confidence when facing a new or difficult topic.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

I believe that motivation is crucial to success. Motivation comes from a desire to apply what you learn in a real world setting. I would find what goals the student has for the future and adapt my lessons to help achieve those goals with the subject.

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

Finding multiple ways to teach a single concept has been fun and challenging. I feel that each student learns differently, it is just a matter of finding the way to teach that makes the concept stick.

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

Reading can be challenging for anyone. When it comes to reading comprehension, I feel that making a picture in your head, or writing out an outline of what you think the story is describing is the best. On tests you will see anything from literature excerpts to user manuals. All of these can be taken apart in smaller pieces that make up an understandable whole.

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

Honestly, getting to know my students and their goals is the most helpful on the first few lessons. Yes, I will cover material, answer questions and assess the students level. However, I also want to see the motivation behind why they wanted a tutor. If I find their motivation or end goal, I can help them achieve that goal. I want students to reach their goals and be successful.

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

We all have subjects that are our least favorite, or that we don't do well in. I find that a positive attitude and applications to life are the best to help turn a student’s opinion on a subject.

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

There are different techniques depending on the student and on the subject. Most involve practice. Practice might not make perfect but it does help to boost confidence. Writing practice essays about fun topics, learning songs or poems in a different language, or writing outlines to understand old literature. All help refine a student’s skills.

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

Through small successes. Homework might seem like a pain, but it can help to show a student that they have the ability to succeed. I try to find homework that the students will find interesting and fun so that they can learn with a good attitude.

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

By talking to the students, and hearing where they feel they are struggling, and then having them bring back homework for me to look over, I can address both known and unknown weaknesses in study.

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

I will find the method that works for each individual student and adapt a generic lesson into something uniquely fitted for that student. This can be done through methods of visual verses audio learning.

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

I use lots of paper for different kinds of examples. I use writing prompts, imagination, hand signs and games.