What is your teaching philosophy?

We will work out as to WHY you don't know as to WHAT you don't know.

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

Please provide all the past homework, classwork, and notes to gain a clearer understanding of what to expect in the future. This helps to "break the ice" and establish a working relationship. The more information provided, the easier to diagnose WHY you don't know.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

There's an old saying, "You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make them drink." In other words, I'll help you with HOW to learn along the journey. Your confidence will show when you take command of what was taught.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

Throughout our sessions, our working relationship enables us to know each other better. That comfort level allows myself to know which "buttons to push" in keeping my student motivated.

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

Patience is key when it comes to teaching. I would apply basic strategies so my student can more easily grasp the topic at hand.

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

Understanding the word's meaning is usually explained within the paragraph itself or surrounding paragraphs. Passages have a meaningful flow to them. Learning to "connect the dots" throughout the passage improves one's vocabulary and comprehension.

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

Listening to WHAT the student's issues are; their favorite subjects and hobbies tend to be crucial in applying real-world methods in learning strategies.

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

Motivating my students by applying learning strategies would build confidence to engage them for upcoming topics.

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

Along with reviewing topics before the following sessions, I would periodically ask "old" questions throughout our sessions together. In order to know where you're going, you have to remember where we came from. Lessons are building foundation blocks.

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

Listen to what the student's setbacks are and apply study skills suitable to the student's needs. Eventually, the student, understanding the subject, builds confidence.

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

Evaluate a student's needs by listening to what causes their mental blocks. It becomes easier to apply learning methods catered to the student.

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

Obviously, there's no "one size fits all" method to tutoring. However, one feature I apply remains consistent: patience. Students, primarily, do not care what you know. Students want to know that you care about them. Caring encourages communication.

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

I usually use subject textbooks, pen, pencil, and paper, among other learning tools, along with the student's prior work. Most importantly, I give students my undivided attention.