What is your teaching philosophy?

There is brilliance in each of us. Sometimes we miss a concept or have developed learning styles that keep our brilliance hidden. Others just need a coach. For those, the "studying" of a thing is much less exciting than the "doing" of a thing. My job as your tutor is to help you discover your brilliance by packaging your study so you can "do."

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

At our first meeting, I will spend the first 10 minutes getting to know you. I ask a series of questions geared at understanding you, your aspirations, and your academic goals. This gives me insight into your learning style.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

I create a "learning package" aimed at making the concepts concise so they are easy to grasp.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

I'm a great cheerleader for my students. When you are winning, I'll tell you so. When you are challenged, I'll convince you that you can do it!

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

I will slow down and repeat. I also provide real-life examples that a student can relate to their work.

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

My strategy with reading comprehension is to teach strategy that helps a student better retain the information they read.

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

Getting to know a student. Understanding their learning environment, their learning style, and their academic goals so that I can adjust the tutoring sessions to their needs.

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

We all have mental blocks with subjects with which we have negative experiences. A student who raises her hand in math class and gives a wrong answer creates a negative block, i.e. "I suck at math." My plan would be to help the student create new positive experiences around the subject to remove the mental block.

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

I provide/use tests on the subject material or have students do a few of the exercises on their own during the tutoring session.

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

I provide an easier version of a problem so the student can have success at a lower level and then can apply the same method at the higher level.

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

I ask the student what they are struggling with. I also make note of trouble areas during the session. A progress report also helps to inform me of challenge areas.

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

By querying the student at the initial session.

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

I use the student's homework and class notes. I also bring textbooks and worksheets.