What is your teaching philosophy?

My teaching philosophy is that all students are capable of learning if the instruction is brought down to their level. I'm here to make you an independent learner and get you to think about your thinking, not to make you reliable on me for everything. Asking questions is the best way to learn and to teach.

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

In a first session, I seek to find out exactly what a student needs to know or wants to learn. I may start with a mini lesson to get them engaged.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

By asking students lots of questions! If you're constantly thinking about what I might ask, or how you're going about completing work, you're constantly improving and becoming more independent.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

Lots of feedback. Positive feedback. Showing students that when they have gotten it on their own, it gives them a confidence boost and makes them want to do more.

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

Try to show them a different way, or find a way to relate it to something they use every day. Most students find topics they aren't interested in to be difficult until you find a way to make it relate to them.

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

I give them practice problems, have them explain the process to me, or ask them directly if they need help with anything.

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

By pointing out to them that they have gotten it in the past. Constant encouragement is essential to student success.

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

By watching their body language and/or asking them questions.

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

By paying close attention to what they tell me they need. A lot of students don't know what they need initially, or are uncomfortable voicing what they need.