What is your teaching philosophy?

There are different types of intelligence and different types of learning. Work with the student to find most effective means of learning, and do it with enthusiasm.

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

Get to know student's background, strength, weakness, passions, and answer questions in return.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

By helping the student find their passions and encouraging them to be curious learners.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

Address what the student is struggling with and encourage them by reminding them of the bigger picture.

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

Approach the teaching of the concept in a different manner (maybe through video clips, diagrams, 3d models, etc.).

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

Doing a lot of reading comprehension examples and practices can help students to think in a certain manner and get used to asking critical questions.

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

Allowing the student to have ownership in their education, whether that be helping them pursue their topic of interest or engaging them in alternative ways of learning.

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

By applying/relating that subject to something they are excited about. Also, I would help them excel in that area because when students overcome their struggles and become more advanced in a subject, they naturally become more excited.

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

Practice questions, applications that aren't straightforward (can just use regurgitation), and getting the student's feedback on their progress.

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

I would make sure the student feels comfortable and start with acknowledging what they do know. It helps to build confidence to remind them with what they do know.

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

By being observant to students' comments, actions, and expressions. I am always prepared to listen and check in with students.

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

I think adapting is a natural process. My teaching philosophy is to incorporate the student's learning style and background into the tutoring environment. As we meet, it should be clear what direction to take that is effective with the student.

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

It depends on the subject, but in general, I use lots of practice questions, Expo markers, and examples.