Comprehension of a topic is far more important than just being able to duplicate some practice problems for a test, and isn't something you can force- it needs to be carefully cultivated.

Get to know them! It'll be a lot easier for both of us if we feel comfortable around each other, and it'll benefit the student and myself in the long run.

By leading them towards answers and reinforcing effective learning habits instead of just going through the motions and giving answers.

Talk to them about their dreams and goals, and remind them that studying hard and learning is the best way to achieve those goals.

Try multiple approaches, because some students understand concepts in different ways.

Reading comprehension is something that comes with repetition and practice, so I'd help them develop a strategy and urge them to practice a lot.

I find working through every step of a problem is important. Skipping steps creates inconsistency and gaps in comprehension.

Find out what they're interested in and show them how the subject relates to their interests.

I'd have them perform a few problems without my help, explaining to me why they're taking the steps they are. The best way to show you understand something is to teach it to someone else!

Help them through problems, then allow them to perform some on their own. If they can do some problems without help, that means they have a good grasp of the subject.

I find communication with the student is key. There's only so much you can learn about a student by observation or by talking to them alone, so a combination of both works best.

As we work with each other, a relationship will begin to form, and I'll begin to understand what kind of techniques a student responds best to and what works to keep them motivated.

I typically would use the student's textbooks for definitions and such, because that's likely what their course material would be based on. If required, the internet often has alternate ways of teaching a subject that can be useful.