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

In a first session, I would like to spend a little time getting to know each other and communicating expectations of each other. I hope to establish mutual respect and understanding, and communicate our learning/teaching styles so that the student can get the most out of every individual tutoring session.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

I lean away from excessively intervening in the student's thinking process and encourage them to talk through the problem. When a student is allowed to wrestle with a problem for a bit, they tend to remember concepts better and what works for them. In the future, they are not likely to rely on my voice to guide them, but their own ideas. This builds trust and confidence and ultimately an independent learner.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

I would help a student stay motivated by offering praise for displaying critical thinking skills, good efforts and correct answers. I also like to incorporate games relevant to their subject to break up the monotony or frustration that can sometimes accompany a difficult tutoring session. Younger students in particular tend to be motivated by the incentive of a learning game. Older students may benefit from a short 5-minute break.