What is your teaching philosophy?

My teaching philosophy is difficult concepts are merely combinations of simple concepts. If you show a student that all the pieces are straightforward, they broaden their horizons and reach great heights.

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

In a first session with a new student, I would find out what interests them so I can draw analogies from that area. I would also assess what they know already on the topic we will be studying so I know more clearly what I should assist them with.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

If you give students the tools they need to succeed, they will naturally grow into independent learners.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

Older students stay motivated by keeping their goals in sight and through appreciating the value of what they are learning.

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

If a student has difficulty with a skill or concept, I would try to find an example of that skill or concept in an area that interests them, and I would also explain the skill or concept in a number of different ways.

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

If a student struggles with reading comprehension, I would teach them to identify and underline the keywords of a sentence. Then, I would ask the student to pretend that they had to write comprehension questions for other students.

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

My most successful strategies when starting to work with a student have been to identify their interests to use for examples and to emphasize to them that I am there to help them grow.

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

In order to excite a student about a difficult subject, I would pick some basic problems, which they have mastered, to show them that they are not as weak as they think they are. Then, I would build on those strengths and show them that it is not so difficult.

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

In order to ensure that a student understands material, I would ask them questions as I present the material. I would then ask them to rephrase it, and then to apply it to a new situation.

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

I would build a student's confidence in a subject by emphasizing their successes and refraining from criticizing their lack of success.

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

I evaluate a student's needs by assessing their level of expertise and comparing that to their education goals.

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

The whole point of tutoring is to meet the student's needs, so I would tailor my lessons to whatever suits the student the most.

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

I typically use the student's texts as well as specific handouts on areas of difficulty. For some subjects, I also would use practice tests.