What is your teaching philosophy?

"Good teaching is more a giving of right questions rather than a giving of right answers" - Josef Albers. How appropriate this quote is considering the accountability placed on our teachers and the importance of test scores placed on our students. An educator's job is to not teach to the test, but to teach inquiry and make the student a well-rounded individual that becomes a positive, contributing member of society. A teacher can only achieve this by catering to the students' different modes of intelligence and by providing an environment that welcomes and promotes inquisition.

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

During the first session, I would try to get to know the child a little bit better personally and try to see what their style of learning is. Before diving into the lesson at hand, I think it is important to establish what they already know about the subject at hand. In this way, I can assess their progress and challenge further and/or correct any misconceptions.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

In order to be an independent learner, it is imperative to develop an inquisitive mind. I will let the student make mistakes and correct their own errors so they can really understand the material presented.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

There are different ways a student can stay motivated. Praise is something that can highly motivate a student. If a student seems like they are losing motivation or is frustrated, it is ok to take a break and tackle the problem again at a later time.

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

I would try to assess where the problem lies. Perhaps the student has difficulty because he/she has not grasped a previous concept that is crucial to mastering the current skill. I would go back a lesson or two, have them practice until mastered, and then tackle the current lesson.

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

Leveled reading is a strategy which supports struggling students immensely. I would see which level they fall under, practice with the student at that level and then build up from there. I would also try to present material which interests them so they are learning without realizing it.

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

First and foremost, building rapport with a student achieves the greatest success. The student will realize that the tutor genuinely cares about their progress and success. Also, presenting them with material where you know they will be successful will give them the confidence that is important in order for them to tackle new, more challenging material.

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

If you present the subject integrated with an interest the student has, it will get them excited/engaged right away. This shows the student that learning can be fun and can be applied to real-life situations.

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

Progress monitoring, such as formative and summative assessments are some ways to be sure that the student understands the material.

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

I will give the student ample opportunities to be successful in the subject, which will then build confidence.

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

I can evaluate a student's needs by assessing their style of learning and trying to hone in on where the error lies.

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

I try different methods in order to make sure the student is successful. Some students are kinesthetic learners and need to be hands on. Others are visual learners and may need to see pictures. I can adapt to any of these needs in order to ensure the student is successful.

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

I seek a lot of outside sources in order to make sure my student is successful. I show videos also because some students are visual learners. I will bring worksheets/workbooks and my laptop.