What is your teaching philosophy?

I strongly believe that how a tutor teaches is, at least, as important as what the tutor teaches. Furthermore, not every student learns best in the same way. My philosophy when teaching is that each student's strengths, weaknesses, and learning style need to be identified and catered to.

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

In a first session with a student, I will begin by learning what exactly they have been struggling with and what their specific short and long term goals are. I will give them a diagnostic exam to identify their strengths and weaknesses, and I will use a technique I have learned to identify their learning style. I will then begin helping them accomplish their goals.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

I have seen far too many math instructors that merely lecture and show examples without any student involvement. This does not help the student nearly as much as engaging them does. When I tutor students, I make them, not me, the center of attention. My goal is to help my students become independent learners. I do this by asking them questions and guiding them through practice problems. Whenever there is something the student doesn't know, I will teach it to them and have them practice applying it.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

It is easy for a student to get discouraged when they are struggling to learn a new concept. I can completely relate to that because I have experienced that same thing. However, the joy from succeeding by far overpowers the discouragement felt along the way. Helping students experience this joy is how I help them stay motivated. I set them up to succeed so they can face future difficulties without fear.