What is your teaching philosophy?

Every student is different. The key to one-on-one tutoring is to isolate THIS student's needs through open and frank communication, practice and observation, and by trying different approaches to find the best fit.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

By bolstering the student's ability, confidence, and excitement.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

By reminding the students what the stakes are and what they are not.

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

Try to figure out why through communication, and try different methods until one clicks. Then, practice, practice, practice.

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

By focusing on the point/function of the individual paragraphs in a way that students can assemble a cohesive whole.

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

The dynamic is the most important. It cannot be teacher-to-student, but instead, it must be both of us on the same side aimed at the problem.

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

A combination of discussing why it is relevant, real-world application, and amusing anecdotes.

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

By making them demonstrate understanding rather than mere memorization. This can be done by having them explain in their own words, by demonstrating problems, etc.

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

By lauding their successes and by emphasizing that the subject is not beyond his or her abilities.

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

Open, frank communication and by observing how they work problems and questions.

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

Anyone who thinks this can be answered in a few sentences completely misses the point of one-on-one tutoring.

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

For classes, the same materials the student uses. For exam prep, my preferred literature and practice exams.

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

Find out what the student wants, needs, and expects, build a plan together, and manage expectations.