What is your teaching philosophy?

Knowledge is best gained and retained in a supportive, positive, and fun environment. My philosophy is to instill confidence in students by providing the support to achieve academic goals and surpass previous academic limitations.

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

I would begin by asking simple questions about their personal and academic interests. I would ask about their extracurricular activities. I would ask the student to describe their academic weaknesses and strengths. I would begin the session by working on a simple homework assignment to gauge their learning style. After completing the first assignment, I would take a moment to make sure everything comprehended is clear. After completing remaining homework, I would review topics, questions, and areas of weakness that came up during the session. I would end the session by making sure all homework was accomplished and that the student felt that all their questions were asked.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

Independent learning happens through inspiration and inquisitiveness. Asking questions is the basis of learning. I would like to inspire students to continue asking questions throughout their lifetime and never be afraid to inquire and explore.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

I am a big goal setter. It is easier for students to stay motivated if they set goals; I would provide them with positive encouragement and measures of progress toward their goals.

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

I would patiently continue to revisit and review the concept in different ways until the student gains understanding. Individual learning styles require diverse approaches of explanation and practice. After the student gains understanding of a challenging subject, I would positively commend the student for their learning growth.

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

My approach to reading comprehension is of patience, discussion and review. To reinforce reading comprehension, it helps to pause during reading and ask questions regarding the material. It also helps to review and re-read areas that were not retained. After completion, a brief discussion to review the reading material helps with reinforcement and assimilation of the information.

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

The most important strategy is to be friendly, structured, and supportive. It helps to reinforce a fun and positive learning environment for students.

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

It is easier to engage in subjects we can relate to. I would try to relate the subject to an area of their life or break it down in terms that they can get excited about.

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

I would apply both written and oral techniques such as: memorization with flash cards; written drills; reading aloud; asking the student to clearly explain the material without just repeating; relating the material to a real-life situation.

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

Confidence is built through positive reinforcement, having fun, relaxing rather than stressing, and providing measures of success.

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

Students needs are evaluated by listening to, observing, and experiencing areas of strength and weakness.