What is your teaching philosophy?

My teaching philosophy consists of question-and-answer. I know how intimidating it could be, but please don't be. My sessions will usually be one-on-one or one-on-two maximum, so there will be nobody judging you. I am here to help you feel confident in whichever course you choose to become a better student at. Always feel free to ask me questions regarding the subject matter.

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

I will introduce myself to the student and ensure him or her that I possess the credentials to tutor him or her. After the brief introduction, I will ask the individual a basic question about the subject matter in question.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

I will always suggest to the student that reading the text carefully and taking notes of what he or she reads are the best ways to learn a subject. The notes he or she takes from a reading portion could, in fact, be used to quiz himself or herself as many times necessary.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

I will always quiz the student on a reading portion he or she has read. I will also go over whatever the student has not understood about the subject through a deep intellectual conversation involving question-and-answer games. There will be nothing to fear.

If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?

I would go over the skill or concept the student has difficulty with in order to ensure his or her complete mastering of the skill or concept required for his academic subject of interest. I have no problem repeating myself when it comes to academic areas that I love the most. Repeating myself helps me retain knowledge. At least that is how I feel as a student that I once was before.

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

I would definitely have to focus on the key areas of reading comprehension in which the student is struggling. For instance, I would focus more on making the student play games involving the main idea, inferences, connecting dots, etc. I would go beyond my comfort zone to ensure that he or she overcomes his or her struggles.

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

I prefer to have the student bring to my attention the subject areas in which he or she is struggling academically. It is better to let them express themselves first, rather than me imposing on them what I believe it is best for them to learn.

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

I would tell the student that all of us have struggled with some academic course or courses in the past, and that he or she is putting in the best of themselves just by seeking help in that specific subject. The more they show up to tutoring sessions, the more engaged they will be in the subject. Also, their chances of succeeding academically in that specific subject will gradually increase.

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

I believe in the question-and-answering method. I will quiz the student on the material covered the day before in order to ensure his or her understanding of the subject. I would also like to use mind games, crossword puzzles, flashcards, word banks, and multiple-choice questions. Why not drawing and coloring maps?

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

I will always let the student know that he or she has a tutor who has their back in order to make them feel confident about the subject. I believe constant communication between the tutor and the student is the key towards a student's academic success.

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

My quiz-the-student approach will definitely be my best method of evaluating what is most important for the student to master academically. However, I would also like to engage in open dialogue with the student about his or her academic needs.

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

I would go over the subject matter slowly with the student to ensure that he or she is understanding me. I would also evaluate how the student learns best in order to ensure his complete learning of the academic subject.

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

I would bring my old college textbooks with me in order to consult information that requires my attention. I would also have a ten-question quiz already drafted for the student to take. I will plan the lesson for the day, including any documentary worth watching together to ensure that the student learns to the best of his or her ability.