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

I think it is good to get to know one another and to have an understanding of what will be taught.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

To be a better independent learner, one needs to develop esteem as a student. I teach students that we all learn differently, and everyone brings a skill to learning. It's about noticing that skill within us that we didn't know we had.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

There are different ways to motivate students. Rewards of some kind always work well.

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

I would try to find out why they are having that difficulty, either by observing or asking the student. Sometimes they know, and sometimes they don't. I would probably teach the skill or concept in a visual way as opposed to auditory way, etc.

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

Allow them to take their time with reading and learn to love reading. When you learn to love reading, and the more you read, the easier comprehension comes.

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

It depends entirely on the student being tutored. The idea is to identify what strategies to use for a particular student. I use different things, like drawing pictures to explain things or playing a game. Mainly, I try to get them to open up without being pushy.

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

I would make it fun and interesting.

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

Testing, and asking the student questions in the tutoring session to mirror what they learned.

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

Help them to learn the material well.

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

I would give an assessment.

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

I change what doesn't work and do what does work.

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

Textbooks, workbooks, chalkboards, note cards, pencils, paper, and worksheets.

What is your teaching philosophy?

I value the whole individual, and my philosophy centers on making them feel better about themselves academically. I believe everyone can learn, and education is the key to a brighter future. I also feel learning is fun and adventurous, and we should all be on that journey!