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

I would start the first session by getting to know the student, including asking the student what their goals are for the class. I would also want to know how the student feels about the class, i.e., if they enjoy the class. After we have gotten to know one another, we could start with preliminary subject questions.

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

My first step would be to find the root of the problem. Typically, in these situations, I have found that the issue lies not with the current skill or concept, but with a previously learned foundational skill or concept. This means that my approach would vary depending on the student and the root cause of the difficulty.

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

The strategies that I have found to be most successful when I start to work with a student are (1) to get to know the student and his or her goals for the class (or academic career, depending on the circumstances), and (2) to ask preliminary subject matter questions to gauge the student's current understanding of the subject.

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

I would help a student get excited or become engaged with a subject that they are struggling in by relating the subject to real world situations, particularly those that may be of personal interest to the student.

What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?

In order to ensure that a student understands the material, I like the student to explain their thought process regarding a problem or concept. This allows me to gauge whether the student is fully comprehending the material and assures me that the student is relying solely on their own knowledge.

What types of materials do you typically use during a tutoring session?

I typically use the materials provided by the student. If the student does not provide any materials, I will create practice problems and visuals of my own to use during the session. Additionally, I will utilize practice problems from the tutoring service and various textbooks that I own.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

I can help a student become an independent learner by asking them to "teach" me. I do this by asking the student to explain their thought process while working through a problem. By doing so, the student becomes the teacher and will know that they have the foundation to apply their knowledge to other material independently.