What is your teaching philosophy?

I have always believed that students learn best by working through a problem to its very end. I believe that I am most effective as a tutor when I am guiding a student towards a solution instead of telling them the answer. In my opinion, helping students to realize that they are capable of completing any problem is both rewarding to me as their tutor and also the most effective means of developing long lasting knowledge and critical problem solving skills.

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

It is difficult to learn in an environment where one is uncomfortable or afraid of judgment, and talking to a stranger pretty much ensures these things. In my first session, I'd like to get to know the student; what they like and what they hope to achieve. I'd also like to introduce myself a little better so that we can be sure that I am a good fit as their tutor. After this, I'm happy to let the learning begin! A little warm up session will help us start out strong in the next session.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

I have always felt that students learn best when they are engaged in the material. I feel that a tutor's job is to keep a student engaged by helping the student when they get stuck, frustrated, or overwhelmed by new material or a difficult question. By acting as more of a guide towards a solution instead of an answer sheet, the student will develop the confidence and problem solving skills to take on challenging problems on their own.