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

I would ask questions to know the student's interests, and allow the student to get to know me a bit as well. I would ask the student specifically what he/she would like to work on, and then give a short assessment to attain information as to where the student is with knowledge and/or ability with that specific skill.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

I can help my student become an independent learner by modeling and scaffolding specific skills, and allow the student to practice with me and then practice independently as well, while giving very specific feedback about what the student is doing well on and what he/she needs to continue to improve.