What is your teaching philosophy?

I think succeeding academically is almost entirely dependent on how much time you put into learning the material, and how much you REALLY want to succeed. Anyone can exceed their own expectations and achieve success if they put the time in.

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

Day one, we find the student's weakness. We establish the fact that he/she can overcome that weakness, and we create a plan of attack.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

Learning is an experience independent to the learner. I know that based on my experiences over the years. I think sharing my own keys to success and my own experiences overcoming challenges would really help!

How would you help a student stay motivated?

Short term goals are so important. Seeing small successes is the most important thing for staying motivated.

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

Presenting skills/concepts in many different ways is important because people respond to different methods differently. After presenting the material in as many ways I can, I'd point the student in the direction of online and text sources that may help. Never giving up is the most important, though, so I'd definitely make sure the student remained motivated through the struggle.

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

I'm a people person, and I love to have fun, so mixing in fun with learning has always been important to me while teaching. Also, in my opinion, achieving goals is fun. Creating attainable goals (and maybe factoring in rewards) can bring a lot of fun to learning.

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

Positive reinforcement. Positive reinforcement. Positive reinforcement. Any negativity when learning NEVER works. Getting the basics down solid is a huge confidence builder. Building and learning off of that only makes you more confident.

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

I like to see several completed tests/assignments to assess main issues. I think problem solving questions of this sort is a good indicator of need. I would also like to talk to the student about what he/she thinks he/she struggles in.