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

I try to relate the subject matter to real-world experiences.

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

Make learning fun.

What is your teaching philosophy?

I believe the student and instructor should have interactive conversations that promote learning and understanding of the subject at hand. The instructor should help place material in proper context of the appropriate time frames for optimal evaluation of the issues and topics.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

My role is to help make the subject interesting enough that the student develops a curiosity for the topic and becomes motivated to learn independently.

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

Reading comprehension can be increased by practicing reading small sections at a time and reviewing each section's main characters and events talked about in that section. Vocabulary building exercises also help build comprehension.

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

Proper preparation always make every session better. Then you figure out what the student needs to learn, and together set up a plan to meet the student's goals.

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

Start by thinking, and acting, positively about the subject. Make a list of small goals you wish to accomplish, and achieve them one by one.