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

Getting to know them first, and then asking them about their strengths and weaknesses. Afterward, I begin with the strengths by making sure they understand that material, and then going over specific problems that are both simple and challenging to ensure full knowledge of the subject.

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

Yes. All of the subjects I have chosen are subjects I have found exciting, and I am eager to share that with students. When I struggled, my excitement often encouraged me to persevere and work hard to understand the topic.

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

Asking the students a lot of questions ensures they understand the material. Asking simple questions that I know they can answer helps them build confidence and allows them to prepare themselves for the more difficult problems that may arise.

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

First, give them simple problems, and then slowly increase the difficulty of the problems. I would also try to make sure all the problems are somewhat related so they can use the techniques of the simple examples to solve the more challenging examples.

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

Simply ask them what their strengths and weaknesses are, and then give them practice problems to see how good or bad they actually are at a specific topic or type of problem.

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

Ask them periodically if I am going too slow or fast, periodically ask them if they have any questions, or change my teaching style until I find the best fit.

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

Markers, erasers, and an expo board. I may occasionally use my laptop to ensure that I am teaching the student correctly or to video chat during online tutoring sessions.

What is your teaching philosophy?

I believe in teaching students how to teach themselves. It is important that all students can fully understand the material and, when they are struggling, be able to analyze the problem and teach themselves how to solve it when there is no one there to teach them.

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

First, I would briefly take the time to get to know the student so they become more comfortable. Then, I would ask them what their strengths and weaknesses are and if they have any specific preference on teaching style. Lastly, I would ask them if they have specific problems they would like to go over or which topic they would like to begin with.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

By giving them different techniques on how to solve the problems or telling them what to do if they do not understand such as use a textbook or the internet as a resource.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

I might share some of my personal struggles with the subject and how I overcame those struggles. I would remind them that everyone cannot understand everything immediately and that it is important to continue to work hard and try to improve.

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

If I am unable to give an analogy or any insight on the topic in a way that they will understand, I would simply encourage them to seek out other teaching methods such as textbooks or the internet.

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

Tell them to look for keywords, read the questions first, and underline anything that is important.