What is your teaching philosophy?

I believe in empowering students to succeed by increasing their confidence and showing them that they know more than they think they do. I focus on fundamentals of underlying principles which can be applied to a variety of problems.

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

I will ask targeted questions to get to the root of their misconceptions. Then I will correct those misconceptions by focusing them on the important underlying concepts.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

By helping them to see that there are a few key points to master for any given topic. Once you understand those, you can approach a broad array of problems.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

By reinforcing what the already knows and giving positive encouragement as we go. Most students understand more than they think once you get them to realize it.

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

I will try to relate it to some everyday experience with which they are familiar. If necessary, we will back up to the basics.

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

Point out key words and phrases.

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

Give them confidence and treat them respectfully. Help them to know they are not alone in struggling with certain concepts.

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

I will try to reference pop culture icons, when possible.

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

Ask follow up questions, turn the problem around, or review it from the beginning to reinforce their ability to abstract to different problems.

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

Positive reinforcement and targeted questions to gauge their comprehension of key concepts.

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

I ask a few simple questions that let me gauge their understanding of key concepts.

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

I am aware of numerous learning styles, and adjust my approach as necessary after we get started.

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

I find it best to use materials provided for the class by the instructor. I will work through these at the student's own pace.