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

I like to go over your goals and expectations, and develop a plan to meet those goals. Then, let's get started; it's time to work. :)

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

Students need confidence to become independent learners. My goal is to help build that confidence with study strategies, test-taking tricks, and lots of practice. Over time, a student's abilities and independence will grow.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

If you're smart enough to look for a tutor, then you obviously have academic goals. In the heat of the moment, or frustration of long-term test prep it's easy to forget those goals, but that's why I am there to help, and to remind you that solid exam scores and grades are the easiest way to get your foot in the door no matter what your school or career goals may be.

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

Reading comprehension improvement is a long-term goal. Unlike Math and Science there is no quick fix. It takes practice and daily reading to improve overtime. My role, however, is to make corrections and improvements every time we meet so that the improvements happen at optimum speed.

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

The best strategy I've found in teaching is that there is NO ONE STRATEGY THAT'S BEST. A truly gifted teacher is one who can adapt his or her style to the student, once they notice which concepts and strategies are sticking.

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

It's easy to say "I hate _____", or "when will I use ___ in my future" when we find ourselves struggling with a subject. Here's where my experience is helpful. I've made it all the way through high school, college, medical school, and medical licensing, and I now find my perspective on just how useful all the things I learned along the way were, even if I didn't see it at the time. I often share this perspective with students when I find them having those same struggles.

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

In residency, we would say, "watch one, do one, teach one." This motto really expresses the stages of learning. When you can explain a concept to me as if I were a new student, then you really are a master.

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

Building confidence in learning is one of the most important tasks of a teacher. To do this correctly, concepts should be broken down into steps, with easier, broader ideas first followed by more complex. I find being able to answer the question, "What is this question really asking me to know?" is a fundamental first step.

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

Ask first. Some students know exactly what they are strong or weak in. Others are more overwhelmed, and so it's my job to get passed the anxiety and focus on a step by step plan for success.

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

Simple. Be open to many different learning styles. Visual, Hands-On, Auditory, or traditional didactics just to name a few approaches.

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

I like to find out what materials you have before offering my own. If you are in a class, it's often very important to stick to what your professor would like you to get out of the material. For standardized tests, there are test prep materials I have, but I am open to any materials students prefer.

What is your teaching philosophy?

You get what you put in. Whenever you find this is not the case, get a tutor to get you back on track so your hard work can pay off. :)