What is your teaching philosophy?

There is no "I can't get it right," we just need to practice and review. Have a positive can do focus.

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

I would learn some of the student's hobbies and discuss what classes we're going over. Then, I would try some practice problems to see where the student is in their abilities.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

I like to focus on how to study and review material outside of the classroom. Teaching skills such as taking notes from books and review tactics proven for success.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

It is helpful to make connections to what their interests are so that the student does not feel like the work is boring and learns the material better.

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

I would find other methods to make the learning fun. An example of this would be if the student was having difficulties with definitions, a crossword puzzle could be created to change the way it is perceived for the learning.

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

When a student is reading and struggling with the comprehension, I like to help them take small parts of the reading and talk through what each part is trying to say. After this is completed, we would work together to summarize the writer's intent and message.

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

Building an open and trusting relationship between the tutor and student is essential. The student will be much more receptive of the lessons and guidance during sessions.

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

A student having an understanding of how the subject will be used or helpful in the future can help. Also, by looking and setting smaller goals for the student, he/she will see the benefit in the end when the subject comes together for them with improved grades.

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

Making practice sheets or having a student act as the teacher and discuss the material are very effective methods to see that they understand the lesson well.

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

A student's confidence is a key component in learning effectively. To build the confidence level of a student we would approach items in the lesson in small parts, but by the end of the lesson, the student would answer a couple questions to show them how much they have learned and that nothing is impossible through practice.

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

To evaluate the student's needs, one needs to access the base skills for the subject. Then, review the subject's goals the student needs to learn by the end of the course. A focus for this would come from communication and assessment of the materials.

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

Some students can study for hours without interruption. However, there is benefit in small breaks, as well as tailoring the lessons to a student's individual interests.

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

I like to use a dry-erase board and diagrams when tutoring. A student learns by drawing and writing along with talking about what is happening in the lesson being covered.