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

To begin a typical first session with a student, we would get to know each other and talk about the student's learning goals before diving into the material.

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

I would go about communicating the topic in a new way! For some students, making analogies to other material (of which they already demonstrate mastery) can help in comprehending new concepts. Sometimes it also helps to compile guidelines by explaining typical and atypical applications of the concept.

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

To get a student excited about material, it's important to make the subject relevant and point out the ways in which it connects to their lives. I always go back to the big picture, and connect the learning process to how they have improved, and how they will continue to do so.

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

Studies have demonstrated that when you learn a material with the anticipation of having to teach it to someone else, you retain information better. So, to check that a student understands the material after working through it together, I might ask that they explain it to me.

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

I evaluate a student's needs through a conversation about their goals and observations about patterns I spot in their work, and ways that perhaps particular patterns could be improved.

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

Depending on the age and learning style of the student, I adjust materials and approach. For instance, younger students stay more engaged with interactive activities, structure, and breaks scheduled in. For an older student learning Spanish, I may bring in current events or pop culture materials to work on together. During the first meeting, I will work with the student to identify their needs, and we can collaborate on the best ways to address them.