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

I will evaluate where the student is and find out what he (or the parents) want to accomplish. Next on the list would be finding out the student's interests, strengths, and weaknesses. Then, we would talk about next steps and make a plan of attack.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

First, I think it's essential for the student to understand why something is important to learn. The next thing is to learn some study skills, if necessary. Learning to set achievable goals and meet them is the final step to success.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

I like to work within their interests and strengths. No one wants to work on something that seems dull and impossible.

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

I would determine whether I need to approach the skill or concept differently. Sometimes, the student just needs a lot of drill or repetition. We can make that fun and achievable, too.

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

I have them listen to me read a lot at first. We may work on phonics or reading mechanics, if that's necessary. It's very important when reading or listening to learn to make pictures in our minds of what is being described, so we would work on that, too.

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

It varies by the student. What is most important to me is to appeal to the student's interests, goals, and strengths. We can use these to build up or work around the weaknesses.

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

We'd talk about what he likes to do and what he wants to be able to do. When appropriate, we'd talk about career goals and life goals and how that subject fits in. The other thing I like to do is put things in an understandable context. History can be very dry if we focus on dates alone, but it comes alive if we focus on the stories of individuals and find ways to connect with the time and place (pictures, biographies, maps...even field trips, if possible).

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

This really depends on the subject. If quizzing is needed, we'd do that. I can usually tell by the work going on in our sessions where the student is.

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

Getting the skill or concept is key to building confidence, so we would focus on small, achievable goals.

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

It depends on the subject. I like to see some recent work by the student. I may do a little quiz or have the student read for me, if appropriate.

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

I write or choose curriculum for each student from scratch. I don't believe in one size fits all. This is something I do that I believe is unique. I've been trained to write curriculum that appeals to various learning styles, and I don't hesitate to do that. Also, if what we are using doesn't work, I will try something else.

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

This would completely depend on the subject. Sometimes, a pen or pencil and paper are enough. We might use hands-on items, if appropriate. Games and flashcards are other things I use in some subjects. Sometimes, workbooks are appropriate. I do prefer real books to textbooks when we can use them.

What is your teaching philosophy?

I believe in using the interests and strengths of the student to build up and/or work around the weaknesses. I like to find out the way(s) that a student learns best and appeal to them. Finally, it always helps to have fun.