What is your teaching philosophy?

I believe in interactive education and hands-on experience -- lots of doing and making. I also believe conversation reflects a deeper level of understanding of the material, so you can expect to be engaged in my sessions either by making or speaking. I think success is determined by progress, and the ultimate goal is for the material to make sense to you in a way that is relevant to your life and doesn't hold you back. I believe everyone is capable of this given extended time and effort, and it's my job to help you get where you want to be!

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

I like to start with a survey to get to know you better as a learner, both in and out of the subject, and person. It helps with making materials and knowing where we stand. Also, I like to discuss goal setting as well as our expectations of each other so we're on the same page moving forward. From there, if there's time, we'll dive right into the material.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

I think by modelling good behaviors, looking up answers in the back of the book, checking reputable sources online, blocking out time to study, etc., and pointing my students in the direction of reputable resources, going through these behaviors together the first couple of times, it becomes second nature.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

Returning to the goal set together at the beginning of our sessions is crucial; it helps a lot to remind students why we're doing what we're doing. Also, by getting to know them as a person, I can determine materials that will be engaging and help with those motivation gaps.