I believe that motivation suffers both when a student becomes frustrated and when he or she does not think the subject is important. The best ways to combat frustration are to emphasize progress the student has made and to be certain that lessons blend difficult concepts with easier ones. If a student thinks that a subject is unimportant, it can help to discuss future goals or personal experiences when the concepts or even the study practices will be useful. What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student? I think it is important to know a little bit about a student, and for the student to know a bit about me. I know that a single academic area does not define a person, and I want my students to know that as well. Also, if a student is not comfortable talking with me, then it is more difficult for he or she to express him- or herself, and communication is important to effective learning.