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

Review the material and topics that have already been covered in the given subject. As we review, highlight the topics that the student has questions on or is struggling with and set priorities for these topics.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

I think it is important for students to identify learning techniques that work best for them. I would also help them to be more organized (if needed) and to be diligent about setting aside the required time to study and read.

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

I would try to go back to the beginning of the topic and identify where the student understood the skill or concept, and we'd walk through it slowly from the beginning. As we review the area, I would highlight important steps or ideas and help the student either connect these steps or ideas to their own life or come up with methods to remember them. But most importantly, I would take my time. I find students often struggle the most when they are going too fast and skipping over or not grasping critical material.

How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?

Read more slowly. Write down important points as they read. Talk about the reading immediately after or during the reading process.

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

I find it most useful to understand what the student's struggles are (reading a graph, reading comprehension, etc.). This way, when we begin to learn materials I can teach in a way that helps the student learn around the struggles they face.

How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?

Try to identify topics and skills that they do understand well and use those as tools to help them learn material they struggle with. This way, they remain confident and willing to learn more.

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

I would ask many questions. I'd ask them questions that not only answer the question (math or facts) but ask them why this is the answer - this helps to ensure they truly understand the logic behind the answer.

How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?

By identifying and then using tools that they are skilled with to help them learn topics that they are struggling in. Also to recognize their progress and improvement.

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

I use everything. We read, complete questions together, talk, and find real life examples.