What is your teaching philosophy?

I believe in a collaborative tutoring environment where the student can build their skill set with each session. I want each student to take pride and ownership in their work. I handle all writing assignments on an individual basis and will help each student build on their writing skills.

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

I want to find out what concerns the student has with the writing assignment. Next, I want to address the assignment to make sure the student is on the right track. After that, it is an open discussion about what needs to be done next.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

By having them take ownership of their work and growing the student's skills with each session that they can take with them after the tutoring session.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

I believe in keeping the conversation positive and showing the student what he/she has done right.

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

Patience and listening to the student are always good places to start. Then, I would see if there is a handout that I can give the student, or I would show them where to find the resources online to help them become more independent with their writing.

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

I would read a paragraph with the student and discuss it with them to understand what types of reading comprehension problems the student has. After learning more about the student, I can develop an individual plan to help the student.

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

An open conversation can help the student open up. Then, I ask questions and listen to the student's concerns. I try not to come across as an instructor. A tutor helps the student through collaboration with writing assignments.

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

I would show them what they have done right and build on the skills they have. Encouragement goes a lot further than just showing the mistakes.

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

I would have the student read the assignment to me, and then tell me what they believe it means. If they do not understand the assignment, I would discuss it with them to make sure they have a full understanding of what the teacher is asking them to do.

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

Positive reinforcement is the best way. With writing, I would build on what the student has done right and tell him/her why. An example would be, "I like what you have done here because ... " And then, I would help strengthen the other areas in the same way.

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

I ask the student questions about the assignment, and looking at the writing he/she has brought to the session is a good place to start. After that, I can open up a conversation about the assignment and the teacher to find out what the student is struggling with.

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

The first thing is to listen to what the student is saying. I come to each session with an open mind and no expectations except to help the student learn. I want each student to be able to take some bit of knowledge with them that they can use on their next assignment.

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

I use online resources, Microsoft Office, writing books, and handouts.