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

I'll introduce myself and I'll ask you about your goals! First off, I'll give you a practice test and see how you do. We'll go over it together, identifying areas where you need help, and break down each concept step by step.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

I can help a student become an independent learner by giving them strategies to implement, clues to look out for, and questions to ask so they can dissect problems when I'm not around.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

Make them laugh!

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

Break it down, start from square A, and establish what we do know and what we need to find out!

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

We'll go through the text together, analyzing it closely for plot points, word choice, recurring motifs, figurative language, etc.! We'll make lists and tables, and speak about what the text is telling us!

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

Meeting a student at their level, putting them at ease, and starting slowly with easier problems!

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

I would figure out how the subject relates to something that they do love and enjoy!

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

Lots of repeated practice tests and drills! I know that true mastery of a concept comes when you can teach another person, so I'd make them walk me through the concept after they feel sufficiently comfortable.

What is your teaching philosophy?

My primary goal in teaching is to give you the tools to be self-sufficient and to walk into any quiz or test with confidence and ease. As a tutor, I combine a pragmatic drill-and-kill approach with a slower, more discussion based method. In your first session with, I will dissect how you learn and formulate a concrete action plan of how we can achieve your goals. No amount of repetition or re-explanation is too much! My goal is for you to get as much out of your sessions and learn as fast as possible, all while having a great time! My job is only done when you achieve your goals.

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

The tutoring company has copious amounts of practice questions, tests, and textbooks that we can use to facilitate your learning!

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

We'll build your confidence through repeated drilling and discussion. By the end of our time, you will be able to walk me through the steps of your problem solving!

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

I will evaluate what you need through close listening and discussion. I'll always come to every session prepared to teach you according to our plan, but I'm always ready to throw that plan out and tailor things to what you need.