What is your teaching philosophy?
I believe in student specific teaching to compliment their strengths and improve on their weaknesses. I try to use real-world examples to make learning fun and engaging.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
I might take some time to assess the goals of the student and understand what the student's weaknesses and strengths are, which helps me build my plan to execute sessions for the future.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
I try to teach concepts and relate them to real-world examples - I've found student retain information and learning best this way, which eventually makes them independent learners.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
I would communicate to the student and/or parent(s) the progress they're making, while at the same time showing them they are a step closer to their ultimate goal.
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
I try to use real-world examples. I also go back to the basics and don't rush anything.
How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?
I would take the reading slow and reread material until they are comfortable with something...slowly, with practice, you can build speed.
What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?
Laying out expectations - for both me and the student - really helps to create a successful tutoring experience in the end.
How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?
I would share my stories of how I struggled a lot with math myself, and finally things clicked and now I'm a tutor!
What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?
The tutoring company's materials, as well as the most popular books on the topic. Additionally, for science and math topics, I would include some of my own questions/understanding.
How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?
With repetition and pace management.
How do you evaluate a student's needs?
I have an honest talk with the students. I follow up with a set of basic questions to discuss their understanding, strengths, and weaknesses.
How do you adapt your tutoring to the student's needs?
I can go slow or fast. I can also go to basics or discuss PhD level material. I think most of it depends on what the student wants, and I should be able to adjust.
What types of materials do you typically use during a tutoring session?
Books, online videos, notes, and practice questions.