What is your teaching philosophy?

I am a person who was able to master the Spanish language. I would like to pass it forward to eager students so that they may have success in future endeavors using the Spanish language.

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

I like to have them take a quick assessment just to see where they are at with their knowledge of the Spanish language. This might include some questions over vocabulary, verb conjugation and cultural awareness.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

I like to show them other avenues and media to use. YouTube and Netflix are great for shows, music, and other videos to assist in our learning.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

Sometimes, I use small group activities where the student can "show off" what they have been learning to others. Or we can take a field trip to places where there are native Spanish speakers, and we can practice in different settings.

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

We just stay with it. If it appears it is too complicated, we will revisit it from the beginning using a slower and easier approach. We'll then break down the concept and build on it until proficient.

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

Comprehension can be difficult, but I normally break down the sentences first before we try and understand the whole passage. If it is difficult for the student, we can go word by word if necessary.

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

An assessment tells me what the student's strengths and weaknesses are, and then I tailor their plan around that.

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

If you keep it fun and engaging, the excitement is sure to follow. Also, once they see they can use it in real-life situations, (maybe we'll meet for tutoring at a Mexican restaurant and they have to order in Spanish) it becomes a lot more fun.

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

If they are advancing well, we will get into more sophisticated grammar lessons and speak using more in depth conversational topics.

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

Positive reinforcement. Lots of "good jobs" and high fives. I also use material that is at their level so they feel confident and not overwhelmed.

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

After every few lessons, I like to give them a quiz or some kind of review. I then build on the evaluations. So after week 8, I might incorporate a quiz or review over things included in the 7 previous weeks to make sure nothing is being forgotten.

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

I just go with the flow and progress of the student. We use things they know and add just a dash of the unknown into each lesson.

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

I use all sorts of materials. I have an extensive library of books, the internet, YouTube, Netflix, music, and face to face conversation, just to name a few.