What is your teaching philosophy?

I believe that critical thinking skills are most important, as they encourage an active interest in learning and they teach students to value their own ideas. Language is a way to look into the lives of people long gone and see their thoughts and feelings. I want students, when reading a Latin passage or practicing their English composition or verbal skills, to ask me questions not just about the grammar or content but also about the people whose language we are learning or whose writing we are reading. As for my actual tutoring process, students do not all learn the same way. Clear explanations, encouraging students to ask questions when they do not understand, and a consistent, predictable routine for lessons, activities and assignments prevent students from becoming overwhelmed and falling behind. Overall, I wish for students to be excited about learning and to be proud of what they accomplish.

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

During the first meeting with a new student it is important to discuss why they are there. What led them to seek out a tutor? What struggles or frustrations to do they have concerning the material? What study methods and tools have they used in the past? What worked well and what did not? We would then create learning goals and break down these goals into clear and logical steps. Having a clear path towards being successful not only helps direct students but it relieves students of stress and helps them feel less overwhelmed. Of course we would be free to adjust our methodology and goals at any time if needed.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

Students become independent learners when they have confidence in their own intellectual abilities and when they have a good method for approaching new material. Together, a student and I can explore and develop the best ways for them to learn. Through positive feedback, encouragement, patience, and persistence I can help alleviate the anxiety that often prevents students from becoming independent learners, and help them discover their own strengths. As they grow their academic tools and skill sets, their confidence in their ability to learn new material will grow as well.