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

First, I want to know what your goals are. Are you looking for an A? Or are you just needing to pass your class? What are you overall goals after school? I want to help you succeed in whatever it is that you're looking to accomplish, whether it's straight A's or just passing this math class so you can focus on your real passion.

What is your teaching philosophy?

I want to tutor myself out of a job! I am absolutely devoted to helping you achieve your goals, but more than that, I want to teach you the tips and tricks that I've learned over my years of schooling that makes retaining information easier. I also want to try to leave my passion for math, writing, English, and all things learning. When students have a passion and enjoy the process, the results tend to come easier!

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

I can help a student become an independent learner by passing on the little tips and tricks that I've learned over the years. Such as great websites that I've utilized in my own studies for citation assistance. Also, passing along information like what websites are the best resources to use as citations and which sites aren't. The more I can impart the knowledge of how I gained my own good grades, the better off the student will be.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

First off, I would make sure that a goal that is set is achievable. For instance, a student who is failing a class might not expect to get an A in the class in only a few weeks. First, a goal might be to raise the grade out of failing, or it might even be just to pass their next test. Attainable goals are very important, and there's no reason not to reevaluate as necessary if the student feels that the initial goal is too much. Also, keeping them engaged and finding ways to make schoolwork fun is another way. This isn't always possible, but the closest we can get to fun, the better.

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

Getting down to the details is best. Is a student just confused about the purpose of the Pythagorean Theorem as a whole? Or are they just not sure what "a," "b," and "c" mean? Maybe they get the squared symbol confused with multiplying it by two. First, we need to find the truly confusing part in the skill or concept, and then we can work on strengthening the knowledge.

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

Games! Games are so much fun! There are a number of free online games that revolve around words and their meanings that can help with reading comprehension. I'd start a student off with one of those, and then we can start actually reading. Finding subjects that are interesting to read also helps keeps students engaged and interested in strengthening their skills.

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

Patience and understanding is key. I know I love learning and it comes easier to me, but not everyone shares the same passion for knowledge. Getting to know a student and learning their goals, their likes, and dislikes will go a long way toward understanding the best method of tutoring a particular student.

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

It starts with the tutor! As long as I'm excited and engaged with the subject, that attitude is contagious. Also, tailoring the subject to an interest they already have a passion in helps too. For example, if a student already likes soccer, I might tailor example math questions to fit soccer, such as "How many more goals are needed to win the game for Team A if Team A has 26 points and Team B has 40?"

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

Plenty of scratch paper and pencil is best. Working through examples with the student works best for me, so while they're working on a problem, I'm working on it with them. Flashcards are helpful, either paper or virtual flashcards. Test apps are helpful as well.

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

Instead of pointing out all the ways they're doing a problem wrong, I prefer to just point them in a different direction. Understanding their point of view and nudging them in a different direction is much better than flat out telling them they're doing a question wrong. Telling them everything they're doing right is essential as well.

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

I enjoy talking with students and getting their perspective on what they're trying to accomplish. I'm not a mind reader, so I need the student's cooperation in planning and setting goals so we can find a point A and go from there!

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

First, I have to develop a relationship with the student so I can understand how he or she looks at things and how they learn. There are many different ways of learning including visual, auditory, and kinesthetic. Understanding the way a student learns best is essential in how I choose to adapt my tutoring.

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

Paper and pencil will never go out of style. It's a lot easier to work with most times and more efficient. Free online resources and study guides are also helpful, depending on the subject.