What is your teaching philosophy?

The Socratic Method is a great way for a student to question and analyze different facets of an argument. But the student must be prepared for this! Otherwise, instead of a cooperative argument, you'll end up with a lecture...

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

Always get to know a little bit about the student first. What's the student's academic background? What's their favorite thing to learn about? What academic areas does the student need help in? How do they approach that material, and what is the extent of their knowledge on it? What goals do they have regarding the material? With these questions answered, we'll know the scope of the academic commitment required to master the material. From here we'll work together to achieve the goals that are set. I look forward to helping each student I work with meet those goals!

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

Too often, students don't draw from enough primary or secondary sources to assist with their learning. I encourage my students to seek knowledge on the material beyond what they see in the text or presentation before them. Ask more questions! This creates an independent learner: one who has the initiative to keep reading, keep writing, and keep improving.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

I challenge my students to become experts, and find this helps them stay motivated throughout the learning process. I want my students to use this opportunity to gain as much knowledge as possible, to ask as many questions as possible, and to critically analyze as much material as possible.