What is your teaching philosophy?

I believe in a relaxed atmosphere that uses examples of practical application and practice questions to reinforce the conceptual subject matter. I also enjoy role reversal where students teach me because true understanding is required to teach a subject.

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

In a first session, it is important to identify a student's strengths and weakness, both with the material and with learning style. I would start by asking the student to tell me everything they know about what we are learning and how they have been studying so far. This way, we don't have to spend a lot of time reviewing what the student already knows well, and we can identify the learning style that best suits the student.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

I would not only teach a student the material but show them why our strategies are working, and thus allow them to apply those strategies to future subjects. In addition, I would highlight the importance of practice questions with my students and encourage them to use them frequently.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

I would maintain an energetic and positive approach myself in hopes that it would translate to my student. In addition, I would not allow any success to go unnoticed. I would remind my students that any improvement is an accomplishment that is one step closer to a larger goal.