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

When it comes to reading comprehension, the important thing is to break down the mass amount of information present. I personally like to use highlighters and notes throughout a passage. With my student, I will review paragraph by paragraph, while having them highlight important information regarding the main idea and details that support it. Most questions that follow reading passages include identifying details that support the main idea, syntax, etc. I will help the student locate stylistic choices of the writer, such as the use of metaphors, similes, analogies, etc. When the student becomes comfortable with identifying syntax, style, diction, and content, they will have an easier time understanding the passage as a whole and answering questions.

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

Lecture based tutoring tends to bore students. Instead, I like to use interaction throughout the session. Instead of rambling through topics, at each mark of a session, I like to ask my students questions and give them problems to solve for themselves based on what I've taught. This helps me assess how much the students are absorbing, and what they need more assistance with.

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

This is a very difficult task, especially when the area of subject prevails difficult to the student. I like to break down the topic to simplify the nature of the material. Often times when the curriculum is a heavy load, students are intimidated and therefore lack excitement. By creating schedules and little goals with the student for every session, I plan to engage them. By having a say in what they learn and what goals are set for the class or an exam, students feel as if they are in control of their work and abilities. This boosts confidence and students are more excited about completing assignments and studying.