What is your teaching philosophy?

My teaching philosophy is that each child learns differently, and it's important to figure that out before you teach. I think the best learning comes from doing things that are tailored to a student's likes and strengths!

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

First, we'd get to know each other, and talk about what they want to improve on. Then, I would ask some questions to figure out how they learn best, and then we'd set up our expectations with one another.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

It's important to know that independence takes time. It is important for teachers to scaffold independence, and then take away the help gradually.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

I would help a student stay motivated by showing them their progress, and how much closer they are getting to their goals.

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

Teach them in different ways! It's important to create a relationship with a student where both the student and tutor feel comfortable, so hopefully the student can talk about what they are still struggling with. When a student is having difficulty, you need to remember that all students are capable, you just have to re-evaluate your teaching methods.

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

First, it is important to figure out which aspect of reading comprehension they are struggling with. Every story has four different "meanings": literal, inferential, interpretive, and phonetic. It is important to figure out which one(s) they are struggling with, and then teach them specific strategies to help with those meanings.

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

One technique that helps figure out if students understand the material is seeing evidence in their independent work, such as using a vocabulary word or using a new strategy to solve a tricky word. Also, simply asking a child what they learned that day can help determine what they took from the lesson.

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

Showing a student what they can do! I believe that every student has an incredible amount of skills, but usually in school students are told what they are doing wrong, not what they are doing right. It builds confidence when children are told what they are good at.

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

One way to evaluate a student's needs is to take detailed notes on what they are or are not doing regarding a certain subject. Additionally, speaking with parents or guardians is extremely helpful.

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

I think good teaching is always about adapting, and it takes self-reflection to figure out what is good for the teacher and the student. It is important to never get set in your ways, and to always try out new methods.

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

Typically, I use differentiated paper, worksheets I've made myself, and whiteboards during tutoring sessions. Paper choice is important because it is possible to create paper that can help a student. Worksheets that I've made myself are more authentic and tailored to student needs, and whiteboards are very helpful because children can easily go back and fix mistakes.

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

The strategy that I have found most successful when starting to work with a student is an interview on what they like, don't like, and want to improve.