What is your teaching philosophy?

We are more often treacherous through weakness than through calculation.

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

I would introduce myself to the student and get to know them on a comfortable level. I want to make sure they are comfortable with me -- to open up and ask questions that are going to help them learn. It is a terrible experience for the student if they are intimidated by the tutor. I will be sure to establish some ground rules, like: tardiness, no-shows, or not taking the session seriously will not be tolerated. I will be sure to introduce myself to the parents and familiarize them with what I have in mind for their child's success. I find it most important to be very approachable the first session, and every one after.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

I can help a student become an independent learner by them showing me how they would go about a certain answer, passage, or paper. I would show them by example, and then step-by-step guide them, and then see what they can do on their own using my notes.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

I would help a student stay motivated by speaking with the parent about rewarding and positive encouragement. Positive encouragement is completely necessary for the student to know that they are not a failure. They are trying hard, and it is good enough. I will always show them how great they're doing and how much they've progressed thus far.

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

I would see what level the student is at by testing them with some of my own questions about the concept. That would give me an idea of where they are exactly, and where we need to go. Then I would ask them what is the hardest thing, and what they don't understand. Then we would proceed to look at the assignment or problem, and I would have them start it until they no longer could without my help. When they get to the point of needing my help, I would walk them through the steps without giving them the answer. I would guide them lightly. Then we would proceed with the problem until it was finished.

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

I help students struggling with reading comprehension by asking them after each sentence what is happening, what that means, what words have they seen or not seen before, etc. Then I would show them that we can take notes on the side of what the first sentence means, and so on, and at the end put them all together.