What is your teaching philosophy?

I strongly believe everybody has the potential to succeed, and a recurring theme of my tutoring is that my students should recognize their own potential by 1) identifying their current position, 2) identifying their desired position, and 3) setting schedules and goals that help the former become the latter.

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

I would initially ask them about what they enjoy and what they are passionate about in life. Then, I would discuss the more serious topics or subjects that I will be tutoring them in. Finally, I hope to find ways to link success in academics with what they are passionate about. Once we have decided upon shared goals, we can discuss what teaching methods they have liked the most and which ones have worked for me (as a tutor) in the past. I prefer for tutoring to be a conversation rather than dictation; such an approach demonstrates respect to young pupils who, oftentimes, will gladly put in work as long as they understand why they are doing it.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

Independent learning is the result of active decision-making by the student. My exercises in identifying goals and ways to achieve them can be related to the effort that a student can put in on their own time. If they are committed to having no C's, we can discuss 1) where they should focus, 2) what work to do, and 3) how much they should do on a weekly basis.