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

In a first session, I would spend a lot of time just talking with the student about problem areas or difficulties. Sometimes struggles are not with the subject matter itself, but with the student's approach to the subject.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

Students become independent learners when they are empowered to take for themselves the tools of learning tutors and teachers provide. I would show students how to build their toolbox to understand complicated concepts.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

I'm a rewards-motivation kind of person. I like to reward younger students with small trinkets or snacks, and older students with short breaks or maybe a game.

If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?

Having difficulty understanding something is something everyone goes through and is not a reason to get discouraged. I would remind the student that they are probably good at lots of other things, but some things are a little harder to grasp than others. I would try to explain the various aspects of the problem in smaller detail, in order to establish what the specific problem is.