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

Finding a way to relate the subject to something the student is interested in outside of academics can help spark interest in the subject. Describing how that subject relates to the student's life and sharing real world applications/examples shows the student the relevance of the subject outside of the classroom. Acknowledging how much the student has already learned and the progress they have made, while encouraging them to excel, also builds confidence and contributes to a student's desire to engage in the subject.

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

I believe to truly understand a concept, one should be able to explain it. Asking the student to explain a concept or how to solve a problem is an excellent tool for determining whether they have a grasp on the material. Additionally, asking the student why an answer is correct, or how they know another answer is wrong, is beneficial to reinforcing their understanding.

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

I would use multiple approaches in teaching and multiple sources to help build understanding. In learning concepts, textbooks are not always sufficient. The wording may not be clear, and I would explain the concept to the student in my own words, and incorporate analogies or metaphors when possible. It is also beneficial to utilize other sources, such as credible websites, that explain the same concept but contain different phrasing. This brings the student more clarity and solidifies their understanding. I would help the student develop their own summary of the concept in their notes to eliminate any further confusion and to help serve as an individualized study guide. Viewing and creating graphs, charts, and diagrams is also beneficial, especially to visual learners. In teaching skills, it is essential to provide a step-by-step explanation of how to properly execute the skill, as well as, why each step is important. In developing and reinforcing skills, I stand by the motto "do not practice until you get it right, practice until you cannot get it wrong".

What is your teaching philosophy?

Getting to know your student is of the utmost importance. I understand each student is unique and learning styles vary greatly from student to student. It is crucial to determine what studying methods work best for the student and what their ideal studying environment is. Being able to study comfortably, free of distractions, and with preferred resources/aides is key to efficiently mastering the material. Once a student is aware of what works best for them, as a tutor, I am able to adapt to their needs and preferences and provide instruction tailored to them. Not every student will require the same amount of practice to master a skill, and not each student will understand a concept in the exact same way. It is important to understand a student's way of thinking and to present the material in a way they will be able to clearly grasp it.

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

Textbooks, workbooks, and materials provided by the student's school. It is important to stay focused on the curriculum and the teacher's requirements. Access to computers or tablets and internet is beneficial. The web is an incredible resource when used properly, and it can provide clarity on many subjects. Pencils and notebooks to take neat, easy to understand notes in, and scrap paper to practice on. Clear and concise notes are always a valuable resource for studying. Colored pens or markers can also be helpful when outlining processes or steps of a problem. In regards to standardized exam preparation, guide books, practice exams, and diagnostics reports are helpful in developing a study plan and customizing lessons.

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

During a first session with a student, I would like to get to know them. I would like to hear about their academic goals and studying preferences, their opinions on school and particular subjects, their extracurricular activities and hobbies, and anything else that would help me learn about their personalities. We would also go through the subject materials that the student has provided and work towards determining a course of study based on which areas the student needs assistance with. After assessing the student's knowledge, we will begin discussing specific concepts.