I believe that every student can learn. My job, as a teacher, is to work with each to individual to discover in which way he/she learns best and teach to that strength.

In a first tutoring session, we would begin by getting to know each other and having some dialogue. It's important to be comfortable with one another so that optimum learning can take place. I would also expect that the student may have some questions for me as well. I would want to know the student's expectations of the sessions also as I believe it's important to meet their expectations.

In order for a student to become an independent learner you have to provide them with the tools and confidence to do so. I would encourage each student to work through problems they are struggling with and talk about their thinking. I would ask questions about their thinking so they would have to explain further how they came to the conclusion/answer. We would also work on building a tool bag of strategies they could use when coming across problems they are struggling with, and we would practice using them in our sessions.

To help a student stay motivated I would give encouragement continually throughout each session. We would also keep track of their progress through dialogue/charting/practice quizzes.

If a student was having difficulty learning a skill or concept, I would find a variety of ways to expose that student to the concept. We would pinpoint the exact difficulty and work on strengthening that skill. I would also bring real-life examples into the teaching to help the student understand the practicality of the skill/concept and give the concept more meaning.

If a student is struggling with reading comprehension, I would use a variety of strategies to aid the student in retaining information. I would have the student read in smaller chunks and read aloud. I would also incorporate a note-taking and/or highlighting strategy to help them make note of important information. Also, I would have the student read a section more than once to help them gain confidence and gain retention of the material.

I find that creating a comfortable and safe working environment is key to begin. And to also allow for both tutor and student to express their goals and expectations for the sessions that follow. When working with a student one-on-one (and depending on age) breaks are important. Short brain breaks are to needed to help remain focused on the work.

I would use technology, a video, a story, ask a question to get their brains thinking, or a scenario to help them begin thinking about the topic first. Help them become engaged in the topic without having to do "work."

I find that a reteach is very effective to make sure a student understands the material. If they can explain another problem, or similar idea, to me and teach me about it, then they have it down. Also, if we do a quick summary/project on the topic to show all their knowledge about it; this is a very effective way to see if they have grasped the concept.

Practice, practice, and practice!

To evaluate a student's needs I need to ask questions and give them an opportunity to talk and share their concerns. Looking at their work is also another way to evaluate what needs they have.

In order for each student to meet their goals, I need to teach to their strength. I would find out in what way they learn best and teach to that learning style. If that isn't working, I try another strategy. Keep trying until we achieve what we set out to accomplish.

Typically, I would use technology, videos to increase interest, manipulatives, graphic organizers, and visual aids.