What is your teaching philosophy?

I believe students learn best when they are given the opportunity to work with others. In the real world, individuals are required to work with others on a daily basis. Students should be thoroughly taught how to work in groups during their years in school to prepare them for life after school. Being able to express your ideas out loud with someone else while preparing for an exam, or writing a paper, can be extremely beneficial for students.

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

During a first session with a student, I believe it is critical to make the student feel as comfortable as possible with you. I would want to start with casual conversation for the first 15-20 minutes or so trying to get to know the student, and for the student to get to know me. It can be very difficult for anyone to open up to someone who they don't feel comfortable around or do not know very well.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

One of the most beneficial things about tutoring is that the student can take whatever the tutor taught him/her back with them to use for future assignments or tests. At the end of the day it is the student who needs to learn the material, so the tutor should always be thinking about how they can help the student retain this information, and not just learn it for the time you are together.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

I think one of the most important things to help students stay motivated and engaged in tutoring sessions is making sure you make it fun for the student. Bringing an upbeat attitude with you every time you meet with the student can go a long way in determining the attitude of the student in your session. I am constantly making sure students are engaged and having fun when working with them!