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

In a typical first session we would have a meet and greet component, where we talk about their goals and what they are seeking to achieve. We would discuss their weaknesses and strengths as well. I'd also ask questions to determine what type of learning works best for them.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

After going over the rules of the subject(s) we are covering, I would encourage them to work similar problems on their own in their own time and have them explain their process of how they worked the problems.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

I would offer incentives that appeal to the student as well as find ways to incorporate fun into our sessions.

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

I'd go back to the basics of the subject. Discuss the rules again, and have the student tell me what those words mean to them. While they are talking, I would listen to spot the weaknesses or errors in their understanding.

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

I have found that building a rapport that says to the student that this is a group effort, and I'm on their team in order to help them reach their goal, has been successful.

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

For subjects that are particularly hard for a student, I find it best to create fun ways to teach the skills without it feeling like work. After a particularly hard subject, I also like to reward the student with something small but meaningful to them.

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

After going over material and working problems over that subject, I would have a summary session in which I question the student's understanding of what we went over.

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

I find it best to praise the student almost to excess for correct answers, while minimizing their errors but still addressing them.

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

By listening to the parent and whatever assessments they've undergone until I've worked with them for a while.

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

Each student is unique, so my tutoring is going to be different for each student. One on one allows me to cater to their specific needs.

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

I typically use worksheets and games during sessions.

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

In dealing with students who struggle with understanding what they've read, I would either read to them or have them read to me a grade appropriate passage to them. Afterwards, I would inquire about certain details of the passage to help them create a picture in their mind of what they've read.

What is your teaching philosophy?

I believe that each brain is unique. Due to this, I think everyone learns in their own unique way. As an educator, it is my job to find the unique way each student processes information and cater to that.