What is your teaching philosophy?

Student engagement is key! My approach seeks ways to relate the course material to student interests.

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

Get to know about the student and his/her goals for the tutoring sessions. Learn about what areas have been most challenging in the subject so far. Identify what learning/teaching strategies the student responds to.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

Ensure that the student is understanding the coursework and acting as a guide to assist when needed.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

Motivation is tough! I believe motivation arises from big-picture thinking... why is this important to learn? How will I use this subject in everyday life? These questions have to be addressed first and foremost.

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

Slow it down. Dissect the issue. Try to provide a real-life example.

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

Reading comprehension is a tough one. It arises out of practice (and more practice!). I would ask a student to point out which words he/she is struggling with understanding and help to define those words.

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

It's all context dependent! Strategies depend on student goals and motivations!

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

Find real life examples to relate to!

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

I have the student teach the material to me. If you can teach the material, you understand the material.

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

Confidence comes from understanding. There is no cheap way! I would make sure the student is learning the material as best as they could!

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

Ask them! If they are younger, ask their parents. Identifying needs can take a few sessions, so give it time for the student's needs to surface.

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

It depends on which subject. For writing, I only use the student's written materials, our minds to walk through the work, and a pen to take notes. For a subject-based test, I use review books based on the subject level.

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

Above all, I believe that it is most important to identify the goals of the student. It is my job to understand where the student is coming from and what he/she seeks to achieve!