What is your teaching philosophy?

I believe that all children learn differently using differing modalities and that children are more than just a test score. I teach using many different techniques to address differing learning styles and feel children need to be entertained and engaged to maximize learning potential. I teach using manipulatives and concrete learning tools to help solidify learning and allow students to display knowledge in many ways other than just a test.

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

In a first session, it is important to build a relationship and start to build a foundation of trust between you and the student. The first session would be a get to know me session, so I can gauge the student's interests. Some informal assessment may accompany the session to gain an academic baseline.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

Students become independent learners by discovering the tools needed to help them master the material. An example using reading: If a student is struggling to read independently, he or she must be provided the tools to effectively decode the word. Provide them the necessary phonemic awareness and phonics skills (along with comprehension skills too) and the student is on their way to independence.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

I love to use games, mini challenges, and competitions to keep students engaged and motivated.

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

I would see if the student struggles with auditory comprehension and go from there. Sometimes students can remember and comprehend stories better when they are read to them as opposed to focusing on the decoding themselves.

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

I find building a relationship and getting to know the student works well, as students seem more willing to work for people they are more familiar with and feel safe with as opposed to a total stranger.

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

I would discover what the student is interested in and use that to help build my lesson around.

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

I would use informal assessment and also formal assessment to see if the student understands. Students are capable of demonstrating understanding in ways other than tests.

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

I mix in material that I know that student will be success with in order to help them see that they can do it. When they have confidence, they are more willing to try harder things.

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

I use a combination of interview type techniques to have the student have input in what they need. I also would use some informal and formal baseline assessment in order to have some data to work with and set appropriate goals for the student.

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

I make sure to start off by addressing some items that the student will be successful at and help them feel comfortable and confident. Then, I move into the meat of the lesson.

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

I like to use concrete materials to be sure the material addresses many different learning styles. Allowing students to manipulate materials helps them to see subject matter in a different way.