What is your teaching philosophy?

Teaching is about taking something complex and making it easy to understand. I like to focus a lot on students' questions, as they give me a view into how students best learn a subject.

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

I will ask how a student learns, what a student's strengths are, and what the student enjoys learning about.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

A bird doesn't learn to fly unless he is pushed out of the nest. I will give the student guided help at first, but then I will give the student problems to learn on her/his own.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

Setting goals in the beginning is crucial, and then making sure we are on track to achieve those goals is vital in maintaining motivation.

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

I would try any method and any angle to teach this concept, but sometimes taking a break and looking at other material in the meantime is the best way to clear the mind for new ideas.

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

Practice. There is really no other way. Practice, practice, practice, and reading on your own time.

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

Using visual aides and speaking slowly, as well as stopping for questions, help immensely.

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

I think that's on me--as long as I'm excited, the student will be excited. It's about the instructor staying engaged with the material.

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

I do graphic design, so I am a huge proponent of the use of visual aides, but looking at the material from many angles is also key.

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

By starting with easier problems and building up, a student can gain confidence, and later, momentum.

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

As an instructor, asking and answering questions is key. I routinely stop to make sure the student understands.

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

Different kids learn differently--I need to stop every so often to make sure my teaching technique is working. If it isn't, I adapt to their needs.

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

Online sources and videos are key, but I find that just talking it out is the most useful. Pencil and paper are classics.