What is your teaching philosophy?

The best way to learn something is to make it appeal to your interests.

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

Get to know the student and their interests and hobbies. Then we can discuss what subject(s) they are having difficulty with and what they have done so far to help them understand the content.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

Teach the student how to identify the best learning method for them, as well as identify the best learning environment for them.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

I would have the student make short and long term goals in regards to their education. Have them constantly remind themselves that not only can they achieve their goal, but in some cases, may even be rewarded by achieving them, whether it is passing a class with a high grade or buying an item they really want. Rewards promote good feelings of success as well as reiterates to the student that they indeed can achieve what they want with hard work and dedication.

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

We would take a break and focus on relaxing the brain for a moment. After the short break, we'd come back to the material with a fresh mind and maybe a new approach.

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

I find out what interests them first. From personal experience, students who are interested in the material or subject are more likely to put more effort into mastering the subject. I then try to incorporate their interest within the lesson.

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

Get to know the student and understand what drives them. Help them relate their goals to what they're doing now. Helping students see the bridge between a struggling subject and a much wanted goal, sometimes gives them a newfound determination to achieve that goal.