What is your teaching philosophy?

Working with students to know why an answer is correct is much better than mindless practice. All students have the ability to understand, but it's up to the teacher to find the method that makes sense.

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

First, introductions and helping the student feel comfortable. That way, the student is less shy when he/she has questions. Afterwards, I'll ask the student if he/she has a particular area they want to focus on. If not, I may personally assess their skills and form a plan for future sessions that will provide better improvement for the student.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

I can give assignments that the student should do outside of our tutoring sessions. This way the student has a goal to achieve and will make the tutoring sessions more beneficial for both of us. In addition, I'll help the student develop strong study habits and a positive mindset that encourages independent thinking.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

I would constantly remind them of their goal and make them aware of their constant improvement. Goals seem easier to achieve the more attainable they are. By making and reaching smaller goals, the student will feel their studying is working and stay motivated.

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

Try to explain it in a different manner. I'll try to use fun and memorable explanations and utilize tools such as videos and outside texts. I'll spend lots of time working with the student so that he/she feels comfortable.

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

Reading comprehension is about reading efficiently and intelligently. I'll give students my tips, such as making notes about each paragraph and how to deduce tone, context clues, etc.

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

Personalized strategies to help focus on where the student should place their efforts. I also find that using analogies and unique ways of thinking help the student learn specific knowledge.

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

I would try to solve the problem from another angle. I would also have them do problems in that subject, but start off with easier ones so they realize they can succeed in their harder subjects.

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

Have them try to teach me the material. If they can do that, they have fully comprehended the lesson.

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

I help them succeed in problems and always provide encouragement. I make sessions fun and not scary!

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

I use diagnostic tests to locate the specific areas that need the most work.

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

I check how effective my current strategy is in helping the student understand the material. If it isn't working, I try new strategies and new ideas as well as different texts and problems.

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

I prefer using prep books most, and diagnostic tests are extremely useful. In addition, more practice is always beneficial.