What is your teaching philosophy?

My teaching philosophy is centered around catering lesson plans to the particular student in order to accommodate their learning style. Additionally, I aim to push students in a rigorous yet supportive manner, so as to allow them to grow as much as possible as a learner.

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

In a typical first session, I talk to students first about what they see as their strengths and weaknesses. In addition, I ask them to bring in a piece of their work in the subject area that they wish to be tutored in so that I can review their work myself. Lastly, I would simply get to know the student so that I could better connect with and relate to him or her personally.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

By teaching students techniques for learning, as opposed to merely focusing on content, I would supply them with the mechanisms and tools necessary to learn independently.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

Through constantly making the tutoring session interesting and engaging, I would make sure to keep the desire to learn alive within the student. A major component of that is allowing the student to pursue areas of interest, as well as finding ways of making the less interesting subjects more engaging.

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

Approach the problem through a different lens. Many times, the problem isn't so much that a student can't learn a particular skill or concept, but rather that the way it's being taught is inept.

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

I would teach the student what to look for when reading a passage, and to get them to see patterns across a text that allow one to understand what's going on.

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

First and foremost, building a bond between student and teacher. When this bond exists, the classwork becomes that much easier and more engaging for the student.

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

Through presenting the subject in a different light, one can often reinvigorate a student's passion and desire to learn. The attempt to drill the subject into the student only results in more failure and frustration.

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

General questioning of the student, as well as asking them to write out their understanding of said subject. In writing this understanding out, one reifies their understanding while also displaying their weak spots.

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

Constant positive feedback, in addition to any criticism or critique, makes the process of learning much smoother and allows the student's confidence to grow.

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

Through questioning as well as examination of their work firsthand.

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

Through being open to the student's needs, and not forcing any particular subject matter or teaching style down their throat, I make sure to allow space for my own teaching style to grow and adapt in accordance with the student.

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

Books, pens, paper, and videos should they be available. In essence, whatever resources I have available, and whatever resources work best for the particular student.