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

Complete a basic subject matter assessment to discover areas of weakness. We could also discuss the student’s general feelings towards mathematics, and discuss some of the frustrations they may have. We could then make a plan of action to move forward.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

In math, approaching problems with a positive attitude is half the battle. Using scaffolding, I help students gain confidence in their abilities. With improved confidence comes increased motivation. I model problem solving, but ask many questions along the way. This helps the student be responsible for their learning. I ask students to walk me through problems and explain their thinking. I also focus on acknowledging and discussing mistakes. This allows the students to grow and learn, while also showing them that there is no shame in admitting when a mistake has been made.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

I truly believe in the power of positive praise. Many times, particularly in math, students suffer from a lack of confidence in their abilities. They have convinced themselves that they are "just not good at math". However, any student can achieve success given the right tools. Once students start to accurately answer questions and understand concepts, they typically have a natural increase in motivation. I also strive to keep math interesting by using a variety of activities and materials to avoid monotony.