I teach my students, but I learn from them as well, and what I learn helps to make me a better teacher. I think we are all teachers and learners, and the key to being successful at both is effective communication. I listen to my students when they tell me what they're struggling with, why they don't enjoy the subject matter, or simply what is bothering them that day, etc. And when I convey to them that the subject matter is indeed relevant, interesting, and useful, and that I genuinely care about them and want them to succeed, they are inspired to do well.

I'll often use an analogy for the skill or concept to make it easier to understand, or apply the concept to a real-life scenario that is relevant to the student. I also try to break it down into smaller skills or concepts and ensure the student fully grasps each one before going on to the next one.

I find that my own enthusiasm about the subject often rubs off on the student - if not at the beginning of the lesson, then at the end when they have mastered something or become more comfortable with a concept. I work to build the student's self-confidence through encouragement, praise, humor, and overall positive attitude. I really do believe in my students.

One technique I employ is to have the student play the role of the teacher and explain the material back to me. I ask questions like "Why?", "What do you mean?" and "How do you know that?".