What is your teaching philosophy?

My teaching style you will find is very conducive to learning. I work with you until we are both convinced of your understanding. My goal is not to make everyone an "A" student. My goal is to help every student enjoy what they are learning, and then the desired grade will come. I am happy to help those that want to be helped and have the desire to learn. I know you will find my teaching style refreshing.

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

I would quiz them verbally to get understanding of where the student is and so I know where to start. It might be starting on the lesson they need help on, or it might be reviewing from the past.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

I would give leading questions to help them understand the relevance of the topic, thus giving reason to appreciate the topic. I would also keep reviewing with past topics to be sure of understanding. Always verbally quizzing about the relevance and application.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

I would always show a personal interest in the student and make their life style part of the learning, thus showing the relevance of the topic. Let them get to know me too.

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

I would back up again to review. Maybe I need to teach with a different learning style (Visual, Auditory, Kinesthetic). We sometimes learn better with a different style of learning.

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

I would help them break down the reading to more manageable segments. Don't try to understand the whole reading at once. Sometimes the questions that follow the reading will give ideas about understanding.

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

Make myself real first. Maybe I need to let them know some of the struggles I have overcome and how I did that. Keep the tutoring session about the topic and student though.

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

Getting to know the student is vital in making them motivated. Sometimes teachers are counselors too. Giving a listening ear for a moment gives the student a caring attitude about what I need to say too.

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

Again, trying different learning styles will help them understand the material better. (Visual, Auditory, Kinesthetic) Review and application will help the understanding process as well.

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

Start with material they do know. Relate what they are currently learning to what they already know and understand. Then give follow through questions to check for understanding. May need to do these steps several times during a session.

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

Have them try to teach you the material. Question them. Check for understanding. Back up and ask them questions and allow them to lead the session. Get their understanding. It's all about getting to know the student and allowing them to speak to you.

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

Always start the session with them talking to you about what they are learning. Many times this will lead directly to the needs of the student.

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

Paper, pencil, calculator, and material that can draw the student out to understand the application to real life.