What is your teaching philosophy?

I review all the material that I cover with my students to ensure their comprehension. Sometimes I will test a student on material we covered out of the blue, changing questions slightly to ensure they are reviewing the material and not just memorizing answers.

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

During the first session, I gain an understanding of who the student is and what is bothering them. I ask questions to discover who they are, what motivates them, where they want to be in the future, and what roadblocks they foresee. Together we map out their goals and what subjects will be focused on during our tutoring sessions. I then gather as much material about the subjects causing trouble for the student, getting class syllabus, textbooks, problem sets, and exams. We then go over the material, and I analyze what the student is not understanding or where they are getting lost. I then begin tutoring and teaching; sometimes this is starting with the building blocks of the material, and sometimes it's covering something new. I then guide the student through the material from multiple angles, ensuring a thorough understanding of the subject matter.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

I help a student become an independent learner by instilling in them the self-confidence that they can learn alone. I provide my students with homework, materials, and tools that allow them to practice, improve, and to, ultimately, succeed on their own.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

I continually provide positive feedback and helpful encouragement to keep the student focused and to instill a desire to master the subject matter.

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

I teach the skill or concept in several ways, bringing in real-world examples and approaching the subject from different perspectives. Utilizing my knowledge of the student, I take them step by step until they fully grasp every concept that needs to be understood.

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

Practice and encouragement. I recommend that students take their time. Take the time to make sure they understand each sentence, and sometimes each word, one at a time, and then to re-read the sentences for complete understanding.