What is your teaching philosophy?

I like to use Socratic questioning to probe for understanding. I emphasize higher level thinking as well as logic.

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

Unless there is a specific agenda stated in advance, I would try to find out what they already know and don't know.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

I emphasize reading! Reading exercises the brain. And it builds a knowledge base that can be used later.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

By revealing their progress to them over time.

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

If possible, try a different approach. Some people are visual learners; others are auditory learners, etc.

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

Spend some time on a small piece talking about the tone, the vocabulary being used, rhetorical tricks being used, etc. Then, move to longer parts.

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

Praise works wonders!

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

Building confidence helps them become more excited, or at least less afraid.

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

Socratic questioning. Probing. Asking them to explain in their own words.

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

Each small success needs to be recognized and appreciated.

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

Many times they already know this. Try asking first. Then do an assessment. Make sure they match.

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

Staying flexible and willing to try new approaches.

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

It depends on the subject. Worksheets, practice tests, whatever works!