What is your teaching philosophy?

I am a firm believer that everyone can follow the recipe for statistics and mathematics. Completing a problem is similar to making chocolate chip cookies. If you leave out the chocolate chips, you do not have "chocolate chip cookies." Same with solving a problem...you leave out a simple step and your problem is missing an ingredient for the right answer.

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

First session would consist of a basic intro between myself and the student. I would review where they currently are in their course, and speak to them about what concepts they have struggled with in the course in hopes to identify where the mistakes are coming from. That way, we can fill in the holes and have them be successful for the remainder of the course. Math and Statistics are building block subjects. This means concepts taught in the beginning of the course are relevant throughout the remainder of the course. Once the holes have been filled, we can move forward with the newer concepts.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

By encouraging them to believe in their own strengths. Positive reinforcement is beneficial to all individuals. I would also provide guidance on proper studying skills and techniques.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

By showing them their own progress. If the student doesn't see they have progressed or doesn't think they have learned anything, they will oftentimes become discouraged and, therefore, give up on the remainder of the course. Positive reinforcement of concepts they have achieved and struggles they have overcome is a strong motivational tool.

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

Go back to basics. Repeat their introduction to the concept. Identify where within the recipe of the concept they are getting off track or confused. Make a different association with the point in the process. Try again with the different ingredient, and see if the concept has solidified. If not repeat until the concept has solidified.

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

Honesty. I don't pretend to know everything nor every concept. I have, however, over years of teaching and research found that when I don't know what's going on, I will not fool the student into thinking that I know by pulling the wool over their eyes. I will be honest and, together with the student, we will research the concept and learn something together.

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

I try to find "real world" examples. Particularly with statistics, I like to use sports as my main source of data. I have found that over the years students that see real world data and examples can make the connection of how they will use the concept when they are working in a professional setting.