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

I would first get to know the student through small conversation. Then we would set some goals for our tutoring sessions. After that I would like to see where that student is at in the skills I was asked to tutor. For instance, if I were asked to tutor someone in multiplication/division skills, I would do some basic multiplication flashcard drills.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

I believe the best path to independence is to gain confidence through careful guidance.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

This depends on the student. The power of a sticker is extraordinary, even in 6th graders!

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

I would try to bring it to life by relating it something the student can identify with. For instance, I like to compare algebraic equations to a spy's secret code.