What is your teaching philosophy?

My mission is to promote a positive and enjoyable learning experience, to create enthusiasm in my students, and provide the skills necessary for lifelong learning.

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

During the first session, I want to get to know my student. I want to assess the strengths and weaknesses and also get a better understanding of the type of learner they are.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

I will encourage the student to understand their own individual learning style. Once they understand this, it becomes easier for them to retain information independently. Rather than giving grades or scores on assignments, I will provide them with open feedback in the areas they excel in and the areas that could use improvement. I will increase their confidence level by always giving positive encouragement and alternative suggestions rather than telling them they are wrong.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

A student's motivation is key when learning. I will encourage motivation by setting goals for the student to achieve. I will give them exercises that allow them to have a sense of control. I will utilize the interests and hobbies my students have and incorporate those into the lesson plan.

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

If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, I would modify my teaching method towards what the student is comfortable with. I would have them explain to me what their understanding of the course matter is and revise my way of teaching it to them. Also, I would present the information in a way that they can relate too.

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

When a student is struggling with reading comprehension, I think reading aloud together makes a drastic improvement. It narrows in their focus on exactly what is being said while avoiding internal and external distractions. Understanding the vocabulary allows for the student to gain a better grasp on the material being presented and gives them a wider repertoire of words to use. I also think it is important to make connections and identify clues in the reading passage.

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

Positive reinforcement has been a huge strategy of mine. I believe it builds the student's confidence, which is necessary when learning. I always allow the student to present what they think is right first and then offer alternative methods to their decision making. Also, I always will ask the student open-ended questions that spark their curiosity and fascination with the subject matter. If the student enjoys and can relate to what they are learning, it makes it easier for them to retain the information.

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

You can make any subject fun and exciting to learn if you know how your student thinks and what things they are pulled towards. I like to be very vocal and excited when teaching because it has an equal effect on the student. Combining their interests in things they already know with the lesson plan allows for the student and teacher to have a more beneficial and engaging experience.

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

I like to avoid yes and no questions. Each time I ask a question about the subject matter, I want the student to give me a full response demonstrating they understand the material. I also like to use games because it makes the student apply the skills they have learned. Also, I think it's important to have the student summarize or write a reflection on what they have learned and use that to focus on areas that could use more work.

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

I never tell a student they are wrong. That completely diminishes self-confidence and hinders the teacher's ability to connect with their student. Instead, I will always agree with the student and ask how they came to that conclusion. Then, I offer a variety of alternative ways to get to the answer. Also, a student must be comfortable with a teacher in order for them to build their confidence. Having open-ended discussions about what their thoughts are on the subject matter gives them the ability to vocalize their own opinions.

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

I need to ask the student how familiar they are with subject matters in the learning material. By hearing these detailed responses, I can gauge the areas that are well-polished, as well as the areas that need improvement. Also, I think it is important to have them first take a small assessment that covers all the topics in the learning material and then evaluate what areas need to be met.

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

I believe it is crucial for the teacher to adapt to the student's tutoring needs. Not vice-versa. The student wants you to understand how they learn, how they adapt, and how they retain information. By understanding these needs, I can tailor my tutoring style to what makes the student most comfortable.

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

Depending on the age of the student, I like to bring pencils, markers, two notebooks (one for the student and one for myself), a small whiteboard, my laptop, and any exercise material I feel is relevant to the topic.