What is your teaching philosophy?

Learning can be social. If we can communicate how we solve problems, then we understand.

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

I would see where the student is. I would ask the student what they are working on, and I would help them where they currently are. Then, we prepare for the future.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

Independence can be easier. Self-knowledge and self-action produces easy, automatic learning habits. The first step is embracing new habits. A reference sheet to make homework faster and practicing the confidence to approach problems in new ways are usually the first two steps.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

We can keep a positive attitude and reminders of why we do what we do.

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

I take a new tact. I keep flexible and positive while we work on a different problem or try a different approach to the same problem.

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

We take it slower, and use our visual and auditory imagination, which can increase both the memory and speed of reading.

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

With back and forth conversation.

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

I remind them they have the power to do it!

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

Communication, and testing them with practice problems.

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

I give them problems they can solve, and we move upward in difficulty.

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

Communication is important. I don't always know what they need, but they often know.

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

I ask what they think and what they need.

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

Practice problems, examples, and website animations.