Different learning styles require different teaching styles. I try to assess the students' strengths and weaknesses, and I strengthen the weak points while refining the strong points. I attempt to do this while beginning at a basic starting point in the studies, then we work our way up to more challenging concepts.

I usually try to understand why the student is taking the course in the first place, and then I try to understand why he or she is in need of a tutor. For example, if the student is having trouble understanding a subject, we may have to focus on basic concepts first; if the student is versed in the subject and would like to sharpen his or her skills, we may decide to focus on the more advanced topics.

There are many wonderful learning strategies I have learned in medical school. Some of these include repetition of important concepts, drawing diagrams to "see the whole picture," and quizzing myself as I study. I plan to use similar strategies with students, while mentioning that "this is one of the things I do in my own studies."

Students have lots of fun interests, some of which are not related to what we'll be working on. I understand that some students may be enrolled in a biology class because it is required to graduate, so I try to make learning the subject matter as relevant as possible to each individual (even though they may major in a non-related field).