What is your teaching philosophy?

When it comes to math, I think that you can never have enough practice. Once I have helped a student grasp a specific concept, I like to work a number of example problems with them to make sure they really understand the material. I also believe patience is key as a tutor and that there are no dumb questions.

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

I would start off by really getting to know a student and helping them to get to know me. I think a student/tutor combo will be much more successful if a good relationship is created right off the bat. Once I get to know a student on a personal level, then I will evaluate them academically so that I know which areas I need to focus on.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

By challenging them to work practice problems on their own once they learn a concept. When a student asks a question, it can be very helpful to them if the tutor doesn't answer right away. Instead, challenge the student to really think about what they asked and try to guide them along to come up with the answer themselves.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

Having a good relationship with a student can play a key role in helping keep them motivated. If a student respects you and likes you, then they will take you much more seriously when you ask them to do something. Rewarding good work is another way to help keep a student motivated.

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

I would let them watch me work a problem. I would go through it very slowly and make sure to really emphasize the different steps. If that doesn't help, I will go back and explain the concept in a different, more simplistic manner than the book to try to make it easier to understand.

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

Break up the reading into smaller increments, and constantly quiz them on what they are reading.

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

Developing a good relationship immediately is the number one key to success when helping out a student. This can be done by finding a common ground between you and the student, or showing interest in different things they like.

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

By helping them create a motivational reward based system and trying to make the subject more interesting for them.

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

Example problems that they have to solve by themselves.