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

I would review the information that the student has learned in class, in order to understand what they student knows, does not know, and how best to teach the student in accordance with the teacher, about the particular subject.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

First I would find out how the student studies best. If they learn best by repetition or writing things down, I would encourage them to do this and provide the necessary tools to do this on their own, and in their own way, in order for them to be successful.