What is your teaching philosophy?

I believe that each student is a unique individual who needs a secure, caring, and stimulating atmosphere in which to grow and mature emotionally, intellectually, physically, and socially. It is my aim as a tutor to help students meet their fullest potential in these areas by facilitating their growth in these areas. When the tutor's role is to guide, providing access to information rather than acting as the primary source of information, the student's search for knowledge is met as they learn to find answers to their questions. For students to construct knowledge, they need the opportunity to discover for themselves and practice skills in authentic situations. Tutoring also provides the student to have access to a one on one experience with a teacher in an environment where their voice is heard and evolves to the point where they feel free to express themselves. Personally, tutoring provides me with an opportunity for continual learning and growth. In our competitive society, it is important for students to not only receive a solid education but to work with someone who is aware of and sensitive to their individual needs. I am such a person and will always strive to be the best educator I can be.

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

Every student is unique depending on their preferred learning styles, the amount of knowledge they have already acquired, and the pace at which they are comfortable going. I would first address these with the student to get a feel of what kind of a person they are and what they already know about their subject, and then I would tailor my own teaching methods to fit their needs.