What might you do in a typical first session with a student?

Get to know them a bit- both inside and outside of school. What are their favorite subjects? Hobbies? What is the hardest subject for them? I also like to let them ask me questions about myself- if we aren't a good fit, I want to know that ASAP! But if we are, I want to start getting to know the student from the first session.

What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?

I try to tutor the way that they learn best. For example, I learn best by writing down the material several times. Other students need to hear it or see it a few times. Finding out the student's learning style quickly and teaching in that manner seems to have the best results!

What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?

Small "quizzes," where I ask the student questions or ask them to draw a diagram to explain a concept, especially if they aren't expecting it! :)

What types of materials do you typically use during a tutoring session?

The textbook, worksheet (or whatever the teacher has assigned), and a blank piece of paper. I find that drawing diagrams helps a lot with science learning (and even with reading comprehension sometimes!).