What is your teaching philosophy?

Teaching should be based on the manner in which a student can learn best. Some individuals learn best through auditory practice, while others learn best visually. It is all about learning about one's students and understanding them. Creativity is also quite important. From a personal perspective, I have always had an easier time learning interactively and through auditory teachings. It is more essential to understand the way a student learns, than to teach in a way that one believes the student will learn best. It is a combination of understanding a student and passion for one's subject, and mastering that subject.

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

In a first session, I will get to know my student by understanding his/her hobbies, interests, and favorite subject in school. I will then ask what difficulties the student experiences when studying and/or learning something specifically in English. We will then play a game which will allow me to better understand the student's abilities and ways they can improve. I prefer to teach in such a way that allows the student to feel comfortable and confident.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

Providing a student with techniques that allow the student to learn how to memorize and understand material will allow the student to become an independent learner. Also, offering reassurance and amplifying a student's strengths will allow the student to feel motivated.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

Helping a student stay motivated is key to gaining positive results. It's important to emphasize what it is the student does well, and to prove to them that they are capable of learning and applying anything.

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

Being engaging, friendly, patient and kind. Connecting with the student on a personal level as well as a professional level, in regards to understanding the way their mind works and what they are willing to work towards.

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

The way to excite a student regarding a subject they are struggling with is to emphasize what it is they are successful with in that subject. Emphasizing what it is the student does well will give the student more confidence.