What is your teaching philosophy?

Students take in new information and weigh it against their past experiences. Therefore, it is just as important for a teacher to know the student as it is the content.

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

The focus of a first session is getting to know the student and allowing the student to get to know me. This involves sharing interests and goals as well as past experiences and understanding of the math.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

Students have been conditioned to "follow directions" since their first day of kindergarten. Higher-level thinking--specifically in math--doesn't start with a set of directions, rather a blank slate. As a tutor, I create an environment where the student and I are equals working through problems together, rather than just me spewing out instructions.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

I have found that students stay motivated by achieving progress towards a goal. That is why I place an emphasis on knowing the student so I know what their goals are and can help them make the progress that will keep them motivated.