What is your teaching philosophy?

I have a passion for differentiated instruction and creating resources that engage students.

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

I like to get to know the student, and I ask questions to get a feel for his learning style. I listen carefully to his ideas.

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

I'm very intuitive about a student's needs and most of the time can evaluate just by asking questions or doing a brief assessment type of game. Sometimes, a short paper, pencil-type, multiple choice quiz is effective.

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

It always depends on the student of course. I like to use a variety of materials though.

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

As an ESL teacher, I use the communicative method to help the student actually use what she has learned, and I like to work in whiteboard work as well as games. Computer games are great for other subjects to challenge the learner and help them see their own progress.

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

Praise, praise, praise!

How would you help a student stay motivated?

I set goals and let the student see where he is, and I offer incentives (age appropriate) to help him reach his goals.

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

I like to break it down into small chunks. Address vocabulary.

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

Set clear expectations from the beginning. I work with the student to set realistic goals and discuss ways to reach them. I listen to each student and get to know them.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

I try not to answer his/her question until I first ask him/her questions to guide the learning process and spark curiosity until they usually find their own answer. It opens up discussion for how they got there and results in being more independent in their process.

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

We try different things or approaches. I ask a lot of questions. Every student is different, and I usually find out what works best by observation.