What is your teaching philosophy?

I believe that every student is a great learner if teaching is effective, and that learning is best conducted in the natural environment.

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

My first session with a student would be designed to get to know them and discuss their goals as well as to find out how they feel they are most comfortable being introduced to new information.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

Students gain independence through guided practice and a hands-on approach that requires them to think for themselves. As an instructor, I will model practices as needed and gradually fade out my direct instruction as the student gains confidence with a skill.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

Praise! Lots of praise and encouragement as well as conducting lessons at a pace of their choosing.

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

Break it down step-by-step until we identify the issue, and then provide direct instruction with that skill.

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

I use visuals as much as possible for younger learners and work on vocabulary and context clues with older learners. Learners of all ages are taught to draw on their own experiences when working with texts as well.

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

Setting them up for success! Allowing them to work with material in a way that boosts their confidence in both themselves and in me.

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

I would work with them to find ways of relating the subject to their own life experiences.

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

Having students "teach" a concept back to me is a strong gauge of whether or not they understand the lesson, as is having them show their work!