What do I enjoy most about tutoring?

I began tutoring because I always believed that the only way to be sure that you truly understand a concept is to be able to explain that concept to others. It's incredible how much more you can learn about an idea through this discourse; countless times I've found myself challenged by my students, amazed by a different perspective they take on an idea or forced to change mine to help them understand. It's a humbling experience, especially for students that traditionally do well in academics and become settled in their manner of thinking. I never want my mind to settle, so although it can be intimidating having what I believed were well-understood concepts in my head scrutinised I'll take that over blind comfort any day.

My Strengths as Tutor

My varied experience in tutoring (everything from literature, debate, calculus, piano) has allowed me to study the difference between knowing a specific subject well and being able to explain a subject well. Many that can DO cannot TEACH; there must be a clear distinction between the two and I've spent four years learning the intricacies of that distinction. Coming from a different education system also allows me to bring a fresh perspective; more likely than not I've been presented the same concepts as you in a very different manner, maybe one that will mesh with your mind a bit easier.

Most important things I can do for a student

One of the most damaging things one can do as a tutor is establish a blind hierarchy with their student. A tutor does not impart facts and knowledge, he or she attempts to come, along with the student, to a mutual understanding of a concept and I find that much more constructive if you approach this from a peer perspective rather than an authoritative one. I bring my experience to the table, from that point on I work and change as much as any student I have. Explaining the importance of methods is as important as the method itself. I will never give work without the reasoning behind that work.