My philosophy is that every lesson should either give a student a new skill to use or strengthen a skill that they have. Tutoring isn't just helping students finish work, it is giving them skills.

On my first session I would have a conversation with my student about their experience in school. It is important to discover what a new student is great at and what they are passionate about in this conversation. It is also important to see if they know what they should be working on. If they do then I would begin planning sessions with the goal of improving in those areas. If they are unsure about what to work on we would work together until we identified an area where we agree they could grow, then set a benchmark to measure growth.

Every student is different, but for the most part helping a student become an independent learner has a lot to do with helping them to understand the importance of process. For example, if I was instructing a writer I would aim to establish the process of gathering information, drafting, revising, editing and publishing for every writing project we do. That way they will begin to approach their own writing projects with the same strategy. Independent learners are able to take on larger tasks by working step by step. When they know the steps they are able to work better on their own.

I would help a student stay motivated by setting short and long-term goals. The goals would be based on what the students and families see as needs. The ultimate goal is high academic success and the immediate goals are based on present needs.

I would work with the student and their family. Sometimes it is a matter of linking it to something that they are passionate about. Once the skill or concept is connected to something that drives the student they are able approach it in a more passionate, more productive way. They may even find ways to practice the skill on their own. Practically speaking I would break the concept or skill down into steps and see which steps they need help on. I would then give attention to the places in the process in which they are struggling.

Getting the student excited and engaged is all about knowing the student. When you know a student it is easy to connect the subject with what they are interested in. In literature it is important to show students how they can relate to characters or situations. When students are able to relate they are able to make emotional connections to content and engage more actively.

The best way to ensure a student understands content is by discussing it with them. I would ask pointed questions about the material that would require them to synthesize based on the required information. When students are able to use material to process that means they have mastered it.

I build a student's confidence in a subject by giving them opportunities for success. It is all about being in the game. When students know there is something right in front of them that they can engage in they have confidence that the subject is no bigger than they think it is.

I adapt to needs by getting information. I may talk with the family about what has worked in the past, or else I may talk with their subject teachers at school about what interventions are taking place at school.