What is your teaching philosophy?

My teaching philosophy is student-driven. First, we will perform an assessment of your learning style. Then, I will direct my energy towards providing you information to find the necessary resources to improve your learning potential. Moreover, I will provide a teaching plan that caters to your particular learning style. Most importantly, I am capable of implementing multiple teaching styles. My most practiced style is the "Socratic Method" which hinges on question-based dialogue. Rather than providing answers to questions, I probe questions in a "facilitated" manner which encourages students to find answers for themselves. It is an absolute mistake to ask people for answers without first giving it your best. Lastly, I am an extreme disciplinarian when it comes to lecture objectives. If there are no lecture objectives, I cannot teach you. Rest assured, you will always be writing something down.

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

First, I will help the student understand my personal teaching style. Then, we will discuss our collective expectations. I will be certain to be sensitive to your needs. During my training as a medical student, I have been taught by multiple mentors that the ultimate goal of any aspiring physician is to make the patient feel comfortable. That's my goal for you.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

It's always essential to help people understand the "feeling" you receive by accomplishing a goal. People resort to learned helplessness when their lives become stagnant. It is your responsibility to find momentum. If you are not capable of generating it on your own, start asking your family. Remember, nobody started from "everything".

How would you help a student stay motivated?

I am an excellent motivator. I read a lot of positive psychology, read widely concerning the topics of motivation, and support my favorite role models. It is important to help students connect them to excellent books and role-models. A support system is essential for high achievement.

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

First you empathize. Then, you work with them to develop an action plan that is both logical in sequence and motivating in scope.

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

Reading comprehension cannot be easily taught because practice cannot be faked. The only thing I can recommend is encouraging them to "evaluate" their progress in comprehension by seeking a teacher and writing down their own personal feedback notes. There is advice I can provide. For example, "try using the pointer method" to enhance the fluidity of eye movements. But I cannot read for them.

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

My most successful strategy is to empower them with confidence. Students who lack motivation often find no good reason to study hard. It's a mistake, because years later they learn that an intelligent mind is an absolute essential quality for the work force.

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

Yes I would. I am an excellent motivator. I use all my energy towards encouraging people by making sure I know the student on a personal level. If I know about their hobbies, for example, I can provide analogies that connect to their hobbies. "Hit that homework assignment like you would your forehand!"

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

Personal feedback is absolutely critical. Every system that was once obsolete became excellent after feedback was honestly evaluated. First, I would ask the student "to show me his or her work" so I can provide immediate feedback. Second, I would create my own study objectives, and ask students to answer my quiz questions at the beginning of every session to evaluate their progress.

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

The first thing you do is provide acknowledgement that their struggle is normal. The next thing you do is challenge them with more work and support. You cannot fake this step. Simply put, they need someone to help them feel more confident.

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

The first thing you do is ask them simple questions concerning their own personality traits. "Are you someone that studies on your own?" "Are you someone that likes to listen to audio?" Then, you design a program that fits their performance profile. My job as an educator is to understand their strengths and weaknesses.

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

Communication is essential. First, I know it is essential to ask students how they feel at the beginning of each session. This way I can gauge what socioeconomic factors are affecting their study habits.

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

I use personal lecture audio from myself and other sources, handouts, and lecture objectives.