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

The ways I've always preferred to learn myself are typically the ways I teach. Once it seems like a student has a pretty strong understanding of a subject, I like to play competitive or timed games. It can be anything from dry-erase board Jeopardy to quiz racing. This way practice problems don't get too repetitive, and students know they can handle the material under pressure. I've found this especially helpful with test prep!

How do you adapt your tutoring to the student's needs?

I've worked with students who pick up material quickly, but have little motivation/organizational skills. These students are more successful with sessions dedicated to a variety of different problem set activities--to keep the new concepts engaging. Some students are very organized and motivated, but take a little longer to understand a concept. These students will have an easier time doing practice problems on their own, so sessions are better spent going over several new concepts in depth. Recognizing the difference here is very important to making sessions more efficient.

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

First, I like to have the student go through step-by-step the problems they found most challenging on a problem set. Then, I come up with a sampling of mini problems that focus on the trickiest component--like factoring or application of a formula--and guide the student through those until they're confident.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

Personally, I'm a visual learner. Habits I've developed like illustrated note-taking (I used to even make science comics sometimes in high school), flashcards, etc., have really helped me study solo. I've also found it helpful to teach students how to better use online resources to find/check their own practice problems.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

Small goals! It's so important to celebrate achievements like mastering the application of one specific integral identity or getting all the way through a novel. That way it's easier to push through going back and getting all the details.

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

Practice is usually the most important part of grasping a concept. It's also what students tend to find most monotonous and frustrating. By playing games and trying out different approaches, I can help a student practice a skill without burning out.

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

Students who are struggling with reading comprehension often benefit from engaging with the material in new ways. For example, it may help to make light annotations or pause every so often to ask a question or express an opinion. Repeated guidance going through text this way ultimately forms habits that will help the student with reading comprehension long after the sessions.