What is your teaching philosophy?

I believe in teaching through dialogue and empowering students through learning, instead of rote memorization and issuing directives. Everyone has a unique learning style, and it is important to focus on the individual and the way they are most comfortable learning new material. Ultimately, I want my students to build confidence in their ability to problem solve and to enjoy the process!

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

I try to incorporate a variety of materials to help students find their most comfortable learning method. I particularly like using visuals, slides and images to highlight concepts. In addition, I try to bring in current news or real-life situations and draw a comparison to the problem we are trying to solve. Application is the key to understanding most concepts.

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

In a first session with a student, I would try to get to know them and their interests. I would like to understand their goals and expectations for a tutoring session. I would also ask them how they feel the best way to learn is so that I can adjust my teaching style.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

I avoid giving students the answer on questions they are struggling with, as this will not help them with future academic challenges. Instead, I work with my students to build a road map that will lead them to the correct answer or way to solve a problem in a particular area. I also provide plenty of study guides and will help my student identify the most effective study habit and techniques for their learning style.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

I always try to incorporate fun and humor into my lessons. Learning shouldn't be frustrating and a chore - it is a lifelong process that should be celebrated. If something is overwhelming for a student, we will take it slow and in small pieces until it seems more manageable.

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

I would work with the student to determine where the gap is coming from. Often, when a student is having trouble with a concept it is because they are lacking some foundation knowledge to build upon. We will start at the very simplest level and work our way towards the goal. I would also use various teaching techniques to determine if there is a better way for the student to learn the concepts.

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

There are many techniques to help students with reading comprehension. Specifically, I would: 1. Give students a purpose for reading; 2. Focus students' attention on what they are to learn; 3. Help students to think actively as they read; 4. Encourage students to monitor their comprehension; and 5. Help students to review content and relate what they have learned to what they already know.

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

I find building a rapport with a student works best when you genuinely care about their interests, goals, and possible frustrations. If you get to know them and genuinely care about helping them, it will build trust.

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

I often have students that dread science classes. The material can be dry. I find that students become far more interested when they can see how the subject affects their own lives and how they might use it in their daily life. I also try to discuss the more interesting aspects of the subject and interject humor and fun.

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

As part of helping students develop critical thinking skills, I typically use the Socratic method. This provides the student with questions. Through discussing the material, keeping it focused, and asking the student probing questions, particularly about specific examples and application, you can generally tell if the student understands the material.

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

I try to avoid starting with criticism when providing feedback to a student. It is best to start with several things the student has done correctly, offer some constructive criticism, if required, and then end with more positive feedback.

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

I would evaluate a student's needs by speaking to them about their expectations and goals for tutoring as well as their parents, if applicable. If I know the student's ultimate goal, we can tailor our sessions to get there.

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

Adapting to a student's needs is generally simple once those needs have been identified. If the student is more of a data learner, we can present material as data. If they are more visual, we can use images and have material that is more graphical in nature.