What is your teaching philosophy?

I believe in patience, positive reinforcement, and learning through repetition.

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

I'd first encourage the exchange of personal information so that my student could become more comfortable with me. I'd also inquire into hobbies and interests and as to the areas of difficulty.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

Through practice and repetition and by teaching the "whys" along with the "hows."

How would you help a student stay motivated?

Through positive reinforcement as well as small breaks when frustration becomes apparent. Humor always helps with motivation as well.

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

I'd break each task into smaller, understandable portions and allow the student to master each small step. I'd then encourage the student to put all the steps together.

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

Building rapport first and foremost. Assessing areas of difficulty and learning style.

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

Through positive reinforcement, repeated success, and real-world application.

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

Practice tests and repeated assessments. Ongoing communication is also essential. My student will be required to check in periodically.

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

Through repeated success, step-by-step.

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

Through discussion, review of the student's grasp of the material, and diagnostic evaluations.

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

By understanding the student's learning style, and favoring and adapting to it.

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

Practice sheets, textbooks, models, and real-world props when appropriate.