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

Ask "what is the most difficult part of this course to you?" Have the student explain to me what they have done in class so far. Have the student attempt to teach me what has been done so far in the course.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

Asking the student to explain how they reached an answer. Or, if I give the student the answer, have the student explain the steps to reaching the answer.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

Research ways to learn the concept in a non-traditional way that appeals to the student and presents them the topic in that format.

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

By monitoring comprehension, using story maps, cause/effect relationships, creating questions based on the reading, and encouraging the student to summarize the material.

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

1. Offering praise 2. Not correcting every single thing the student says that's wrong 3. Keeping a positive attitude 4. Allowing students to select what they wish to learn in the session 5. Seeking opportunities for students to build on established strengths 6. Keep a log of progress

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

Pre-test materials, student self-reports, and an understanding of prior course material.

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

Modifying ways for the student to express them self (i.e.: in written form versus verbal form) and creating alternate reading plans (i.e.: finding a text written at a "lower" level).

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

Laptop, paper and pen/pencil.

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

1. give the student a sense of control 2. change the scenery the tutoring session is offered in 3. establishing the tutoring environment as a safe space

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

1. pre and post evaluation 2. ask the student to summarize 3. ask "why"

What is your teaching philosophy?

I like to have the student outline the top 5 concerns they have with a class before we begin; that way I have time to gather resources to explain confusing topics. I don't give answers. I discuss questions with the students and work on the homework in conjunction with the student to help their understanding of terminology and appropriate formula use.

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

Before the first session: 1. I always have the student email me the syllabus and past 2 lectures (if there are any past lectures) in order to understand how the professor teaches the course 2. I then ask the student to write out their goals for the tutoring sessions: goals could be homework help, learn how to apply the appropriate formulas, or cover a certain amount of chapters 3. I then ask for the student to send me any homework they may want to cover in the session in order for me to have familiarity with the material After the first session: 1. I ask if the student has any feedback for me regarding the session 2. I ask the student if they would prefer to schedule recurring sessions so I can block time in my personal and professional calendar for them 3. I may have problems to follow up on or questions to answer; I tell the student I will follow-up within 48 hours.