What is your teaching philosophy?

I think learning needs to be catered to the student, interactive and accessible. If a student can't find a way to connect to a subject in a way that interests them, they most likely won't ever enjoy learning. I try to channel my favorite teachers when I tutor; the ones that inspired me to become the lover of knowledge that I am today.

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

I like to get to know what the student is about, how they like to learn and what they want to get out of the tutoring session. I think it is important to develop a report with a student before jumping into dense material so I can gauge what will make them grasp the information.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

I think it is important to give students all the tricks that I have in my toolkit for being a successful studier outside of the classroom. Teaching and mentoring go hand in hand, and the relationship created is important for fostering good study habits that I can pass on.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

It is my philosophy that overcoming adversity makes for a better learner. What that means is that many students lose motivation when things get too hard. I try and motivate my students by using different forms of encouragement, but also showing them that learning shouldn't just be a chore but something that makes them a better person in the long run.

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

I think it is important to look at a concept all the way around. Many teachers only teach a certain subject one way, yet we all know that many people have completely different learning styles.

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

Take it slow. For anyone struggling with reading and comprehension, take the pressure off and just absorb the material. People that enjoy reading and understand what they have read normally do it for fun. Show the student that getting the marrow out of something realistically takes time and patience.

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

Introducing the topic in a fun way that expands on the meaning of the subject. If it's a language, show a stand-up comedian or a song to demonstrate the importance and connect-ability of the language.