What is your teaching philosophy?

I'm flexible; you should have fun learning new things. I help students see the value in learning. If students see the value, then they began to see how it translates into monetary compensation.

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

Introduce myself; tell them a little about me. Let them tell me something about them. Do an assessment to see where we are at. Also, talk to the student about where they think they need help.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

Helping a student read better enables them to become independent thinkers. Comprehension (understanding) what you read. This is the key to helping students become independent.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

I would show them examples to do certain things that appeal to them. Verse things that you would not like to do. With each, you get out what you put in.

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

You keep working with the student until they are seeing the concept and how it works. In order for that student to feel confident in their ability, they must understand the concept or skill.

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

First we get them a dictionary of every word that they do not know. They find it, and then we read the meaning. I give and example of how it's used. I have them write sentences using the word(s). Reading out loud helps them hear the word and remember it. The more we read, the more we start to comprehend.

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

I would explain that the only thing that is wrong is that they are not understanding the directions clearly. And what I am going to do is help them see what needs to be done clearly.

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

There is a direct relation to getting better at something when you practice doing it. Practice is a confidence builder.

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

By doing pre-assessment to get an idea of where to start. And by talking to students to see where they feel improvement can be made.

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

My style is flexible. I am always looking for frustration levels. Everything is based on the student's state of mind each session. This will determine how much or little we can get done. In either event, it's always a positive outcome.

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

I will see what the student is getting. Then I will tailor up something for them. I have sites and materials that I use.

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

There is nothing wrong with being wrong. Don't look at things that you are not good at as a negative, and I help students see the value in things. I start with what they like to do in order to get to know how to teach in a way they'll positively respond to.

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

You must practice to become good at anything; this helps you understand your mistakes. Time management and setting aside time for the task at hand is key.