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

Let's get to know each other! What are your goals for tutoring? What are your ambitions? Do you have a certain college in mind? How can I help you make all those goals, ambitions, and dreams come to fruition?

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

By being an active learner, you will take the strategies that we devise in our sessions and take that with you throughout your education. Being an independent learner means taking responsibility for your assignments, time management, and asking for help when you need it!

How would you help a student stay motivated?

Keeping a goal in mind always helps me stay motivated. Maybe it's that college degree looming in the distance... Or maybe it's just having a free weekend to hang with your friends; either way, let's get this work done!

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

When we encounter difficulty, it's best to find out where the disconnect is. Is it in the note-taking, the approach, or the studying method? Let's figure this out so we can get you back on track.

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

Go slooooooow! Reading comprehension is difficult when your brain is so busy! Keep a pen or pencil handy, and take notes while you read-- that's called "annotation"-- pretty fancy, huh?

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

Giving the student my full measure of dedication usually means that I will be receiving the same.

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

Math was always a hard subject for me. To get excited, I found games to play that made the math more approachable. Or sometimes I look at the theory in a practical way-- such as Math of Money.

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

Explain things back to me--show me how you are going to attack this math problem or write a letter to me about the book you've been reading.

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

Confidence takes time and patience. Don't get discouraged when you aren't "getting it" the first time. However, if you put the work and time in--there isn't anything you can't do.

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

This will take some self-awareness on the student's part. Odds are, you know you need some help in one area or another. Tell me why reading scares you so much. Tell me how you felt you did on your last math quiz. Tell my why you think history is a total waste of your time. I may not be able to change your mind, but I'm sure going to help you find strategies to stay engaged and away from the defeatist mentality!

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

Different strokes for different folks! Being in the classroom myself, I know that some students are shy about asking questions, while others can't wait to race to the board. In our sessions, we will get to know each other, and I promise you will never feel the same anxiety, pressure, or indifference you may feel at school.

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

Anything. It depends on the student. Perhaps we watch an informative video--that's also SUPER funny. Or maybe we dig out (or make our own) flash cards. I am always adapting to each student's needs.