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

In a first lesson, I like to get to know the student in order to figure out the best way to guide them. I like to find out what they think their strengths and weaknesses are. I also emphasize that I work as a team with my students and that we are on this road of learning together. Developing a camaraderie is imperative for a good tutor/student relationship.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

I emphasize to the student the importance of creativity, study skills, organization, positivity, and confidence. Instead of just telling the student the answer, I help them reason their way through the problem and encourage curiosity to gain knowledge about everything.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

In order for a student to stay motivated, they must experience success along the way. I encourage my students to focus not only on what they need to improve, but also what they have already learned. I also work hard to gain the student's trust. When a student believes in me, they will believe me when I encourage and motivate them.

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

When a student has trouble with a concept, I look at their prior knowledge and meet them where they last feel good about a subject. I then bring them forward slowly, utilizing my creativity to present information in various ways. I also keep persistent and patient, and they figure things out in their minds.

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

I encourage students to practice as much reading as they possibly can. I also look for topics they are interested in and encourage them to practice with those. As they become better and better readers, I would slowly branch out to less familiar topics and stretch the student's reading palette.

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

I find that it is alway good for a student to relate to and trust me. I want them to know that we are working as a team, and I am there to coach and support them. I always make sure my students know I trust them and treat them with respect.

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

I always look for ways to make a topic more interesting. Depending on the student's learning style, I look for creative methods to make over the topic they are having trouble with. I also point out the strengths they have probably forgotten while worrying about the subject they are struggling in.

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

I ask questions about the material which are not only on the surface, but also questions which require an application of the material being covered.

What is your teaching philosophy?

I believe that every student is capable of great things. With the right guidance, attitude, and method, they can achieve their goals. All I ask of them is that they always try their best.

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

I make sure to point out the strengths and achievements of the student. I stress to them that everyone is good at some things and struggles with others. If we are working on something they are struggling with, I go back to a point in their knowledge where they are confident in that subject and build from there. I always stress the idea that if something is difficult, don't let it defeat you... let it inspire you!

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

I ask the student what they think their strengths and weaknesses are. Through a conversation with them, getting to know them and how they view themselves, it gives me one half of the puzzle. I then assess the fundamentals and go from there. Once I know their emotional state and where they are in their studies, that information helps me develop a plan of action.

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

I am willing to try any method I can come up with to help a student grasp concepts. If something doesn't work, I'll keep trying different methods as long as it takes. I love using creativity, art, music, visual aids, metaphors...anything it takes to help a student on their path.

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

I can use visuals, dry erase boards, metaphors, music, art, analogies, popular culture, etc. It depends on the student, the subject and their learning style.