What is your teaching philosophy?

Listen to the students and find out where they are already strong and interested. Build from that.

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

I ask them, "How do you feel about (algebra, biology, etc.)? What would you rather be doing? What's the hardest thing about (algebra, biology, etc.)?" I come up with a plan that fits the student's strengths and interests.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

I end each session with a take-away and a mission. I'll give the student something they can use and a specific task to accomplish before the next session.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

I would try to make a game out of the learning with "quests" they need to complete in order to "level up."

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

I would try to present it to them in different ways. By providing pictures, analogies, or possibly by making a simple model out of paper or other materials to physically demonstrate the concept.

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

I would start by finding the reading level at which they are not struggling. Then, I would give them slightly challenging material to read and teach them specific skills to meet the challenge.

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

I try to get them engaged in the first session by surprising them or making them laugh. As soon as possible, I try to find challenging, but attainable, goals to keep the student from being either bored or frustrated.

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

I would try to connect the subject with something they already enjoy. For example, math and science have a lot of applications in sports and gaming. You can find reading material about almost anything. I would try to find work that is just a tiny bit above their level.

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

I would come up with concept-checking questions ahead of time. I would try to have them present the material in a new way (for example, by paraphrasing, drawing a cartoon related to the material, etc.).

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

I find something in the subject that they understand, and then give them a slight challenge to overcome. Once they've reached this higher level, I raise the bar with a more difficult challenge (but one which they can overcome).

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

Depending on the subject, I might give the student a brief assessment around general concepts that they should know. I also ask them what they "get" or don't get about a subject and try to find where they are weak and where they are reluctant.

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

As I get to know a student's learning style and level of proficiency, I can gradually introduce challenges that are slightly outside the student's comfort zone. This will be different for every student.

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

Colored pens and pencils, lots of paper, and possibly household items to physically demonstrate science topics.