How can you help a student become an independent learner?

Everyone wants to be an independent learner, and sometimes an organizational chart or flow map can help. Other times, students may not need to visualize the material but rather talk it out. Each learner has their own style, and as a guide it would be my hope that I could find a way to explain the material in a significant way.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

Students who have been able to see their progress and/or hear their ability to interact in a different language keeps motivation high.

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

Breaking up reading passages into pieces and going over little by little seems to help. Sometimes remembering not to translate every detail is all that is needed.

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

I think that when students see real-life examples of Spanish texts in newspapers or on TV, they become excited that they can understand. In a one on one tutoring position, we are lucky that we have the time to listen and talk more than in a regular classroom, which is also helpful.

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

Confidence is definitely needed if someone is struggling in a subject, so small activities with quick success are needed to jumpstart enthusiasm.

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

Speaking with the student for a few minutes can usually give a good snapshot of where they are, but also having them read a daily newspaper and maybe even write a letter to you for next class can help.

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

Small steps with secure progress doubles confidence. Students also appreciate having an area where they are able to make mistakes and learn from those mistakes without having to worry about the consequences.

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

I listen to the students and look at their school materials, but I also ask the students to demonstrate how fast they want to learn the language through homework exercises.

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

All students are different and everyone learns differently. In a one on one tutoring position, you are able to build on student's likes and construct lessons around their personal needs and learning styles.

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

Paper and pencil are staple items, but also real-life Spanish examples such as newspapers or magazines are helpful also. Song lyrics or anything that will catch the student's long term attention is good.

What is your teaching philosophy?

I believe all students are capable of learning all things, and that teachers are motivational guides to help students reach their personal goals.

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

A first meeting needs to be organized and also very open so that the student is comfortable and able to demonstrate what they know.