What is your teaching philosophy?

My teaching philosophy stems from the belief that students learn best when personally interested in the topic at hand. Now I understand that it may be hard to become personally invested in a topic such as statistics, but by using examples and scenarios that involve things the student is personally interested in, I believe the topics become more intuitive for the student.

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

In a typical first session with a student, I would first assess their knowledge of the subject at hand; what they do know and what they don't know. This can be ascertained by looking at their graded work and/or a simple diagnostics test. Once I know what they're capable of, I will use what they do know to help them understand the topics they may struggle with. By comprehensively moving through the topics, snowballing previous concepts that the student already knows, a holistic view of the subject is achieved which is crucial to mastery.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

To become an independent learner, one must have the confidence to approach new materials independently. This confidence is instilled through success in related or past topics. Thus, I will help a student achieve success in a subject, which will give that student confidence in his/her own ability to approach and comprehend topics.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

By proving to the student that he/she has made quantitative progress is key in keeping them motivated. Success is a thrilling sensation, especially when it is success in something they thought was unconquerable beforehand. This desire to achieve success again will motivate students to keep trying.

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

I would change tactics if a student is still having trouble learning a particular concept. One of the most important aspects of tutoring is patience, and being flexible with the student's needs and abilities. For example, if lecturing and explaining verbally did not work initially, I would switch to a hands-on approach and let the student directly work problems while I guide them.

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

I would inform them with the two key points of comprehending a piece of reading: Central Purpose, and context. I would reinforce the fact that nothing is written in a vacuum, and that writing exists to satisfy or argue a point. By finding that purpose and in what context this writing is operating within, reading comprehension comes naturally.

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

At first, getting to know them, breaking the ice a little, etc., will be the beginning of a solid rapport between the student and I. This breeds trust and comfort with learning from what was once a stranger. Overall, being patient and being flexible in my teaching methods is how I find success in teaching. Students will learn at their own pace and their own individual style.

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

Remind them of the feeling of when they will understand it; I will emphasize the fact that it is a matter of when they will understand it, not a matter of if they will. That confidence in them will boost their engagement level.