I focus on what the student understands and on what he or she needs to understand better. I like to establish a friendship with my student and to understand his or her interests and goals. Of course improvement in the course and success cause happiness.

I focus on getting to know their goals and what they want to improve in. When we start to focus on the work, I select exercises that lead to better understanding of the difficult areas.

I emphasize all examples of the student's progress and occasionally talk about the benefits that will accompany higher scores. Plus I enjoy working with them.

I ask them to explain what is confusing them so that I can clarify the problem. It often works to use simpler examples till the concept is clearer for them.

If learning English as a second language causes the problem, I sympathize and encourage more reading in subjects that really interest them. For native English speakers, I give homework that requires reading in a room without any electronic devices. The student must choose a paper book on a subject of special interest to them. Then it is important for them to list all words with meanings they are not sure of.

First, to get to understand what the student's goals are, and how improvements in the subject will help them. Then I want to understand what interests them in general. A relaxed and friendly relationship is always more successful.

If the subject is literature, I am dedicated to getting the student interested in learning about the realities of other lives, and I point out how a classic was always written with honest sincerity of purpose to give readers understanding of some aspect of life. If the subject is grammar, I just emphasize that it is an important tool that is required for success in most kinds of work. If it is writing, I point out how important it is in life to make your message clear and interesting.

I have the student do exercises while I watch, and then if they choose a wrong answer, I ask them to correct it and explain what was wrong with the first answer.

I encourage them to enjoy respecting themselves for truly understanding a difficult challenge and proving to themselves that they can do a fine job. Of course compliments on very good work help a lot.

I compliment their positive work. I find high school students are not used to compliments and they really enjoy them.

I get them to explain their goals and weaknesses to me.

I concentrate on their difficulties and do not spend much time on their strengths.

I use the test prep books published by the publishers of the college admission tests because they are the best for students to practice on actual tests. For English students, I use their class texts and their teachers' writing prompts.