What is your teaching philosophy?

Every student is unique. So every student has a unique learning style. The best way to help you succeed then is to know what works for YOU.

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

Pre-test and get to know each other! This experience should be fun for both of us. But, I also need to know where you sit so we can go forward full steam ahead, and help you advance quickly!

How would you help a student stay motivated?

Rewards! Any subject is always easier to learn if it's relevant to you! What better way than by making success worthwhile?

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

That depends on the student. First, I would check what methods I could afford to change, and which ones had to continue. Then, I would talk to the student to determine where they were struggling. Finally, if all else failed, I'd move on to related concepts so that we could come back to it once the student was more comfortable.

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

By connecting it to something they enjoy and care about.

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

By progressively encouraging them to be able to teach ME a given concept. A student who can teach (even poorly) is a student who has even a basic confidence in a subject. It's my job to provide a basis for and validate that confidence.

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

Two ways; first, via a pre-test so that I have a genuine measure of where the student sits and what they struggle with. Secondly, by talking with the student. We can take tests all day. However, when it comes down to it, a test is only a fraction of the knowledge a person may possess. I want to know where YOU think you struggle so that I can show you that you're wrong, or help you to improve.