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

I would like to spend the first session with a student getting to know what is interesting and motivating to the student and building a good rapport. I think it's important to share hobbies/interests, goals for the tutoring sessions and any other pertinent information that will make the professional relationship between student and tutor more comfortable and successful. I want to know about the student's biggest challenges, hesitations and what they are most proud of about themselves in relation to their learning.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

I can help a student become an independent learner by helping to find what's motivating for them and getting them excited about learning. It is important that we start by tapping into their background knowledge and build up to helping them feel confident in their learning.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

It might sound counterproductive, but I truly believe in taking frequent short breaks when studying or learning. Taking breaks helps to avoid burnout and keeps us motivated by having something rewarding to look forward to after working hard for so long. I think that beginning and ending each session with something rewarding and motivating will help students want to learn and accomplish more.

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

When a student has difficulty learning something, it is important to take a step back and diagnose the issue. It could be in the way that I'm teaching a concept, a distraction in the environment, too difficult material, or something on the student's mind that is preventing them from being able to fully comprehend the concept. I think it is important to take time to have a discussion with the student to figure out how to work together to fix the problem so that the student can learn it better. I might be able to present the material in a different way that is easier for the student to understand, or we might need to reduce other distractions or take a break and try to refocus.

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

When I start to work with a student, I find that it is most successful if I build a good rapport with the student and use their interests to motivate their learning. I always take time to get to know the student before jumping into a session that is chock full of learning.