What is your teaching philosophy?

My teaching philosophy revolves around discovering the academic needs of each student and creating a unique plan customized for that individual. There is no such thing as a "one size fits all" method of tutoring; the student's situation dictates the plan.

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

In the first session, my goal is to determine the student's academic goals. In addition, I will analyze the resources the student already has, as well as any applicable resources from my own collection. Once the needs and resources are clearly understood, the final step is to create a plan for subsequent sessions so that both student and tutor know how to proceed going forward. The above description is intentionally vague because the specifics of each session will vary in accordance with the academic subject under consideration. My goal with each student is to meet that student's needs, not to impose any preconceived notions of my own.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

As a tutor, one of my ideals is to work myself out of a job with each student. Proper instruction can lead to a student becoming his or her own tutor. The key is to introduce the student to the meta-cognitive strategies that all independent learners possess. Once a student feels comfortable with these strategies, it is time to introduce the learner to the specific resources available in his or her field of study. Armed with strategies and resources, the student will be capable of learning independently.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

Good tutoring should lead to motivation, because the work the student puts into tutoring sessions should manifest itself in the classroom. The result is an upward spiral of positive vibes and energy.

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

The first question to ask when a student is struggling is very simple: "Why?" Once the underlying reason for student's struggle becomes apparent, it will be possible to design a specific strategy for overcome that precise difficulty.