My pedagogical philosophy involves creating a calming and supportive environment for learning. I believe in explaining information in multiple ways, while calming students' anxieties and positively reinforcing successes. I yearn to instill a desire for learning within all of my students.

My goal in a first session with a student would be to get to know them on a personal level, not just an academic one. First I'd listen to their hobbies and form common ground. Then I would ask questions about what academic subjects they feel confident in and why, and what they find challenging about what they need tutoring in. Finally, I'd share with them my own academic challenges that I faced growing up (poor organization and note taking, dysgraphia, almost failing math in 6th grade) to hopefully further connect and establish common ground with the student.

First I would gather what their interests are. Then I would relate overlapping skills/interests within academic subjects they like (if any). Then I would work with the student to find those qualities/attributes within the subject area that they need tutoring in, ultimately hoping to instill within them interest in that subject and why it is important to learn.

I would help a student stay motivated by taking short (5 minutes or less) breaks as necessary when focus wains, and pause to talk about their anxieties/insecurities when they feel discouraged or express self-doubt.

I would first listen to what they feel like they have difficulty with the most and why. Then I would acknowledge those difficulties and tell them that not understanding something is ok, it's a part of being human. Then I would ask them what they like about their hobbies/other subjects, and see if I can find a skill or concept that is transferable.

First I would determine whether the student struggles to understand the words, the sounds, or the concepts. If the problem is phonetic, I would address that problem by having them read one sentence out loud, or to their pet, or a print out of a character/person they like from a book/game/sports team if they don't feel comfortable reading to me or their parents yet. By saying something out loud you engage different parts of the brain than by reading it quietly. If they are not comfortable with public speaking, then I would encourage them to read the sentence to themselves in their head. If the problem is conceptual, I would define concepts in each individual sentence of a passage that they struggle with, hopefully building to a comprehensive understanding of the passage.

I think it's most important to build a personal, productive, and positive relationship with the student and work environment first. It is important to treat each other as individuals and partners in learning. Creating that space and relationship is important for any progress to be made. Then I would address what they like about learning in school or in their hobbies, and try to relate those skills/interests to the subject in question.

By first talking about the cool things that can be done with that subject. Then relate the subject areas, interests, and skills that they enjoy in their other academic subjects or hobbies and relate them to the subject in question.

I would work with them on a 2-3 questions, and then have them answer 1-2 questions on their own with me there encouraging them without answering the question for them.

In order to climb a mountain you need to take the first step. That first step can be understanding the concepts, or being able to answer a question with me, and finally being able to answer a question on their own. Then I would reflect with the student on their accomplishment and progress.

First, I would first ascertain whether the problem area is conceptual or skills based. Next, I would determine how they learn best (visual, aural, verbal). Then, I would try to relate those concepts or skills to both the real world and their hobbies, or other academic subjects. Finally I'd return to the subject area in question and begin to make progress, calming and addressing anxieties/insecurities as we go.

By determining the individual student's learning preferences, interests (academic and personal), and abilities at a baseline level. Then I would work with the student to make an individual plan for progress and milestones.

I would use printouts online, utilize recording software as needed, their own textbooks, videos of what can be done with this subject or with those skills (real world applications).