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

Before anything, I always make it a point to introduce ourselves so we can be familiar with one another. Then, I ask them how they feel about the class that they are taking and whether or not they enjoy the class. Based on the answer given, I can better understand how to go about the future tutoring sessions. After that, I would normally ask what specific help they are looking for, whether it's a problem with something specific or just not grasping the course at all.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

Much like learning how to ride a bike, it needs to start slow and at a baseline. From there we can add more information and, instead of asking guided questions, have them break down the information and process it themselves. Although it does vary from student to student, most students catch on quickly and, from there, start being able to think and process on their own, leading them to be an independent learner.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

I'd find out what goals they have and see where their passions are. I frequently have students that are not interested in reading novels or short stories, but, most often than not, they're interested in music and art. I typically take something they do enjoy and mix it in with what they're having trouble with. For example, a short story can be read like a song, or a novel being a masterpiece of words instead of paint.

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

More often than not, when a student has a problem with a skill or concept, it's because it's being taught in a way that doesn't fit their needs. I like to break it down to the simplest it can be and work from there. I also like to compare it to other things they do know or are comfortable with, and that gets the most success. Each student is different, but all can understand if they are taught per their individuality.

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

Struggling with reading comprehension is something that I find to be on the rise, so I would reassure them letting them know they are not alone. Sometimes it's an auditory issue, so the student isn't much of a visual learner, so hearing it is better for them. Although, it can also be a vocabulary issue where they don't understand some of the vocabulary, so we would enhance our vocabulary skills. More often than not, there is a cause to the struggle, and it's important to find the cause and deal with it accordingly.